Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
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:
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:
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |