Test Code 1023
Test Details
Chloride
Chloride is a negatively charged electrolyte that helps regulate the body’s salt/water and acid/base balance.
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lab Values
Chloride
- Low: <98 mmol/L
- Normal: 98-110 mmol/L
- High: >110 mmol/L
- Alert: ≤80 or ≥120 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Chloride
- Elevated levels of chloride can indicate dehydration, high sodium, or kidney disease also Cushings syndrome.
- Low levels of chloride can indicate low sodium, emphysema or chronic lung disease, or congestive heart failure also Addison disease.
Treatment Options
Chloride
Assess etiology of elevation such as dehydration, vomiting, medications, and kidney problems that may lead to abnormal electrolyte imbalance.
