Serum chlorideDefinition: 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. See also:
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: A lower-than-normal level of chloride is called hypochloremia. It may be due to: 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.
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