LAB TEST
Chloride test - blood
Chloride is a type of electrolyte . It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This article is about the laboratory test used to measure the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
How to Prepare for the Test
Many medicines can interfere with blood test results. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.
Why the Test is Performed
You may have this test if you have signs that your body's fluid level or acid-base balance is disturbed. This test is most often ordered with other blood tests, such as a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel.
Normal Results
A typical normal range is 96 to 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or 96 to 106 millimoles per liter (millimol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. The example above shows the common measurement range for…
What Abnormal Results Mean
A greater-than-normal level of chloride is called hyperchloremia. It may be due to: Addison disease Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used to treat glaucoma) Diarrhea Ethylene glycol poisoning Ketoacidosis Kidney disease Lactic acidosis Metabolic acidosis Methanol poisoning Renal tubular acidosis - distal Renal tubular…
References
Bansal A. Respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, and mixed acid-base disorders. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 15. Seifter JR. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 26th ed.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 20/06/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.