Chloride in blood
Test Description
Chloride (Cl-) is the major anion of the extracellular fluid. Chloride levels have an
inverse relationship with those of bicarbonate; thus, they reflect acid-base status.
Chloride has several functions, including maintaining electrical neutrality by counterbalancing
cations such as sodium (NaCl, HCl), acting as one component of the
buffering system, aiding in digestion, and helping to maintain osmotic pressure and
water balance. Because chloride is most often seen in combination with sodium,
shifts in sodium levels result in corresponding shifts in chloride levels.
Patients with elevated serum chloride levels (hyperchloremia) may experience
weakness, deep rapid breathing, lethargy, and stupor, which may progress to coma.
Patients with hypochloremia, or decreased serum chloride levels may exhibit hypertonicity
of the muscles, tetany, and shallow breathing.
Blood chloride testing is often evaluated as part of screening laboratory tests.
It may also be ordered to evaluate patients complaining of prolonged vomiting or
diarrhea or weakness.
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Normal Values 96–106 mEq/L (96–106 mmol/L SI units)
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Possible Meanings of Abnormal Values
Increased (Hyperchloremia) Decreased (Hypochloremia)
Acute renal failure Acute infections
Alcoholism Addison’s disease
Anemia Adrenal cortical insufficiency
Cardiac decompensation Burns
Cushing’s syndrome Chronic renal failure
Dehydration Congestive heart failure
Diabetes insipidus Diabetic acidosis
Eclampsia Diarrhea
Excessive saline infusion Diaphoresis
Hyperparathyroidism Heat exhaustion
Hyperventilation Hypokalemia
Metabolic acidosis Hyponatremia
Multiple myeloma Metabolic alkalosis
Renal tubular acidosis Nasogastric suctioning
Respiratory alkalosis Primary aldosteronism
Salicylate intoxication Pulmonary emphysema
Pyloric obstruction
Ulcerative colitis
Vomiting
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Contributing Factors to Abnormal Values
• Hemolysis of the blood sample may alter test results.
• Use of a tourniquet during acquisition of the blood sample may alter test results.
• Drugs which may increase serum chloride levels: acetazolamide, ammonium chloride,
androgens, boric acid, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, estrogens, glucocorticoids,
imipenem-cilastatin, methyldopa, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, phenylbutazone,
sodium bromide, sodium chloride, spironolactone, thiazide diuretics
• Drugs which may decrease serum chloride levels: aldosterone, amiloride, bumetanide,
corticosteroids, corticotropin, dextrose infusions, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, loop
diuretics, mercurial diuretics, prednisolone, sodium bicarbonate, spironolactone, triamterene,
thiazide diuretics.
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Interventions/Implications
Pretest
• Explain to the patient the purpose of the test and the need for a blood sample to be drawn.
• No fasting is required before the test.
Procedure
• A 7-mL blood sample is drawn in a green-top collection tube, avoiding use of a tourniquet,
if possible.
• Gloves are worn throughout the procedure.
Posttest
• Apply pressure at venipuncture site. Apply dressing, periodically assessing for continued
bleeding.
• Label the specimen and transport it to the laboratory.
• Report abnormal findings to the primary care provider.
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