Chloride test - blood

Alternative Names: Serum chloride test

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

This article discusses the laboratory test to measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

See also:

• Chloride in diet
• Chloride test - urine
• Sweat chloride test
• Urine electrolytes test

Why is the Test 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 basic or comprehensive metabolic panel.

How is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.

Preparation 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
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Drugs that may lower serum chloride measurements include:

• Aldosterone
• Bicarbonate-containing compounds
• Loop diuretics
• Thiazide diuretics
• Triamterene

Never stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor.

Chloride test - blood Risks

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Normal Results for Chloride test - blood

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.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A greater-than-normal level of chloride is called hyperchloremia. It may be due to:

• Bromide poisoning
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used to treat glaucoma)
• Metabolic acidosis
• Respiratory alkalosis (compensated)
• Renal tubular acidosis

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

• Addison's disease
• Bartter syndrome
• Burns
• Congestive heart failure
• Dehydration
• Excessive sweating
• Gastric suction
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Respiratory acidosis (compensated)
• Syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone ( SIADH)secretion
• Vomiting

This test may also be done to help rule out or diagnose:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
• Primary hyperparathyroidism

Blood test

Review Date: 6/1/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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