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Serum chloride
Definition
Serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in serum, the fluid portion of the blood.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein or capillary. A laboratory machine spins the blood to separate the cells from the serum, and the level of chloride in the serum is measured.
How to prepare for the test
Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results.
Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include:
- Acetazolamide
- Ammonium chloride
- Androgens
- Cortisone
- Estrogen
- Guanethidine
- Methyldopa
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Drugs that may lower serum chloride measurements include:
- Aldosterone
- Bicarbonates
- Certain diuretics
- Triamterene
Never stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor.
Why the test is performed
This test is usually orderd along with other blood tests, such as a metabolic panel (CHEM-7 or CHEM-20).
Chloride (Cl-) is a negatively charged molecule (ion) in the fluid outside the body's cells. It works with other substances, including sodium, to help control the body's fluid level and acid-base balance. Changes in the chloride level often go along with changes in the sodium level.
Normal Values
Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. A typical normal range is 96 - 106 mEq/L.
Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter
What abnormal results mean
A greater-than-normal level of chloride is called hyperchloremia. It may be due to:
- Certain drugs, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used to treat glaucoma)
- Dehydration
- Metabolic acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Renal tubular acidosis
- Too much bromide
A lower-than-normal level of chloride is called hypochloremia. It may be due to:
- Addison's disease
- Burns
- Certain kidney disorders
- Chronic compensated respiratory acidosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Excessive sweating
- Gastric suction
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Overhydration
- Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
- Vomiting
This test may also be done to help rule out or diagnose:
References
Fukagawa M, Kurokawa K, Papadakis MA. Fluid & electrolyte disorders. In: McPhee SJ, Papadakis MA, Tierney LM, Jr. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2007. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2007.
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
