MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Serum chloride

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Serum chloride

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed	How to prepare for the test Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean

Illustrations

Blood test

Alternative names Return to top

Cl-

Definition Return to top

This test measures the amount of chloride in serum (serum is the fluid portion of the blood).

How the test is performed Return to top

Blood is drawn from a vein 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 Return to top

Your doctor may instruct you to withhold drugs that can affect the test, such as:

Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, androgens, cortisone, estrogen, guanethidine, methyldopa, and NSAIDs.
Drugs that may decrease serum chloride measurements include aldosterone, drugs containing bicarbonate, some diuretics, and triamterene.

Never stop taking medication unless instructed by your doctor.

Why the test is performed Return to top

Chloride (Cl-) is the major negative ion in the fluid outside the body's cells. 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 Return to top

Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. A typical normal range is 96 to 106 mEq/L.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis due to GI bicarbonate loss
Bromism (excess intake of bromide, usually with sub-standard anticonvulsants)
Excess infusion of normal saline
Carbinic anhydrase inhibitors
Renal tubular acidosis

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

Addison's disease
Burns
Chronic compensated respiratory acidosis
Congestive heart failure
Gastric suction or vomiting
Over hydration
Excessive sweating
Salt-losing nephritis
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
Metabolic alkalosis

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Update Date: 9/15/2003

Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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