| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A test that measures the amount of chloride in serum (serum is the fluid portion of the blood, without fibrinogen). |
| Alternative Names | Cl-
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| How the test is performed | Blood is drawn from a vein ( venipuncture ) or capillary. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the cells from the serum. The chloride test is done on serum. |
| How to prepare for the test | Your health care provider may instruct you to withhold drugs that can affect the test. Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, androgens, chlorothiazide, cortisone, estrogen, guanethidine, hydrochlorothiazide, methyldopa, and NSAIDs. Drugs that may decrease serum chloride measurements include aldosterone (see the aldosterone test), drugs containing bicarbonate, some diuretics, and triamterene. |
| How the test will feel | |
| Why the test is performed | Chloride ( Cl- ) is the major extracellular negative ion in the body. Its main function is to maintain electrical neutrality, mostly as a counter-ion to sodium. Changes in the chloride level often accompany sodium losses and excesses. |
| Normal Values | The normal range is 96 to 106 mEq/L. Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. |
| What abnormal results mean | Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:chronichyperventilationCushing's syndromedehydrationeclampsia excess infusion of normal saline kidney dysfunction metabolic acidosisrenal tubular acidosis Lower-than-normal levels may indicate: Addison's diseaseburnschronic respiratory acidosis ( chronic hypoventilation )congestive heart failureexcessive sweatinggastric suction over hydration salt-losing nephritis syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretionvomiting Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) IIprimary hyperparathyroidism |
| What the risks are | |
| Special considerations | |
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