Health Encyclopedia

Serum chloride

Definition

Chloride is a negatively charged molecule known as an electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, salt (sodium), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.

The serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion of the blood.

Alternative Names

Chloride - 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

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a disturbance in your body's fluid level or acid-base balance.

This test is usually ordered along with other blood tests such as a metabolic panel (CHEM-7 or CHEM-20).

Normal Values

A typical normal range is 96 - 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

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.

Review Date:4/26/2007
Reviewed By:Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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