Chloride

Also known as Serum chloride test

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Chloride

What is Chloride?

A Chloride test measures the levels of chloride, an important electrolyte, in your body. This test is performed to evaluate your overall health or as a follow-up test for ongoing conditions like high blood pressure or problems related to the kidneys, liver, or heart. This test is often done as part of a routine health checkup.

Chloride helps to maintain a balance between minerals and electrolytes throughout the body, controls the amount of fluid in the body, balances the body's acid-base (pH) level, and helps in the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles. This electrolyte also regulates blood pressure and maintains blood volume. It also aids in the production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach, which helps in the digestion of food.

Your doctor may advise a Chloride test if you show symptoms suggestive of chloride imbalance, such as extreme fatigue or weakness, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. This test may also be used to monitor treatment response if you have ongoing conditions like abnormal blood pressure levels or kidney disease. Usually, no special preparation is required for this test; eat and drink as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Chloride used for?

A Chloride test is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
To check the water and electrolyte balance in the body.
To check the acid-base (pH) balance of the body.
To monitor the progress of the condition and treatment response while undergoing treatment for high blood pressure and diseases related to the kidneys, heart, or liver.

What does Chloride measure?

A Chloride test measures the amount of chloride in your body. Chloride is present in all body fluids and is found in the highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid (fluid present outside the cells). The body gets most of the chloride through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) and a small amount through other food items. The required amount of chloride is absorbed in the body and the excess amount is excreted by the kidneys through urine. When the chloride is combined with sodium it is mostly found in nature as salt. Chloride generally increases or decreases in direct relationship to sodium but may also change without any changes in sodium levels when there are problems with the body's pH. Usually, the normal blood chloride level remains steady with a slight fall after meals (because the stomach produces hydrochloric acid using chloride from the blood after we eat food).

Interpreting Chloride results

Interpretations

Normal reference range:

Adults: 98 to 106 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter)
Children: 90 to 110 mEq/L
Newborn: 96 to 106 mEq/L

Higher than normal chloride level is called Hyperchloremia.

Lower than normal chloride level is called Hypochloremia.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chloride

Frequently Asked Questions about Chloride

Q. Why do I need a chloride blood test?

You may need a chloride blood test if your doctor suspects symptoms such as extreme fatigue, weakness, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration or to detect health problems related to the kidneys, heart, or liver.

Q. What is hyperchloremia and its associated symptoms?

Hyperchloremia is a condition in which chloride levels in the body increase more than the normal range. Its symptoms include fatigue, dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure.

Q. What is hypochloremia and its associated symptoms?

Hypochloremia is the condition in which chloride levels in the body decrease more than the normal range. Its symptoms include fatigue, weakness, breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid fluid loss, and dehydration.

Q. What is the most common source of chloride?

Table salt or dietary salt containing sodium chloride is the most common source of chloride.

Q. What does a high chloride level mean?

A high chloride level may indicate possible health concerns, such as dehydration, kidney disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body). Always consult your doctor if your blood has higher-than-normal levels of chloride.

Q. What factors can affect the chloride test results?

The amount of water/fluid intake may affect your chloride test results. Some drinks with caffeine may cause water retention or bloating which may affect your test results. Also, if you are suffering from diarrhea, your test results may show abnormal chloride levels.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by the doctor if my blood chloride levels are abnormal?

Other tests that may be prescribed if your blood chloride levels are abnormal include an electrolytes test, kidney function test, blood sugar test, urine chloride test, and urine examination.

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References

Boston 677 HA, Ma 02115 +1495‑1000. Chloride. The Nutrition Source. Published 15 Sep. 2022. [Accessed 23 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/chloride/#:~:text=Chloride%20is%20a%20mineral%20naturally

Chloride: foods, functions, how much do you need & more. www.eufic.org. Published 11 Jan. 2021. [Accessed 23 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.eufic.org/en/vitamins-and-minerals/article/chloride-foods-functions-how-much-do-you-need-more

Chloride - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Sciencedirect.com. Published 2014. [Accessed 23 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/chloride