Chloride, Serum
Chloride, Serum
The chloride, serum test measures the level of chloride, an electrolyte, in the blood. Being an electrolyte, chloride helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body and also maintains the balance of acids and bases (pH balance). Abnormal levels of chloride may be caused due to many conditions such as dehydration, vomiting, and some other health conditions. Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor certain conditions, such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, etc
Symptoms of acid or fluid imbalance
Chloride, serum test may be required if you exhibit symptoms of an acid or fluid imbalance, including
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weakness
Dehydration
Trouble breathing
What is Chloride, Serum test used for?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor certain medical conditions, including
Kidney disease
Heart failure
Liver disease
High blood pressure
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for the chloride, serum test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or millimoles per liter (millimol/L).
|
Type |
Value |
|
Chloride, Serum |
96-106 mEq/L or millimol/L |
High levels of chloride may indicate:
· Dehydration
· Kidney Disease
· Metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
Low levels of chloride may indicate:
· Heart failure
· Lung disease
· Addison disease (problem of the adrenal glands)
· Metabolic alkalosis (too much base in the blood)
FAQs
How is the sample collected for a chloride, serum test?
Your healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your upper arm and collect a few milliliters (mL) of blood
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Chloride, serum test involves negligible risks. You may experience slight bruising or pain at the site where the needle was inserted. This usually resolves on its own within a few minutes to a couple of hours
Should I be concerned if my test results show high or low serum chloride levels?
If your chloride, serum test results show high or low serum chloride levels, it may not necessarily indicate an underlying health condition. There are factors that can affect your chloride levels such as drinking excess fluids, loss of fluids due to diarrhea or vomiting, taking medicines such as antacids, etc. To gain a comprehensive understanding of your abnormal test result, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for chloride, serum test?
The test result of chloride, serum test is available within 1-2 working days after sample collection. However, it could take longer, depending upon the diagnostic clinic
What are the benefits of chloride in the body?
Chloride aids in controlling the kinds and quantity of nutrients that enter and exit cells. In addition, it keeps pH levels in check, increases stomach acid, which is necessary for digestion, activates nerve and muscle cells, and makes it easier for carbon dioxide and oxygen to move through cells
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