Chloride
Understanding Chloride
What is Chloride?
This test measures the amount of chloride in the blood. It is an electrolyte that helps to control the amount of fluids and maintains the pH of the body. This test is recommended in case of symptoms such as prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, dehydration, constricted breathing. It is also advised as a part of routine investigation in case of heart, kidney, liver or hypertension patients.
High levels of chloride indicate dehydration, kidney disease, acidosis and alkalosis. While low levels of chloride may be due to heart faliure, lung faliure and addison's disease.
Abnormal chloride level does not necessarily indicate a medical condition. Sometimes it can be the consequence of excessive fluid intake or excessive fluid loss due to vomiting or diarrhea. A physician should be consulted for the accurate interpretation of the results.
What is Chloride used for?
· As a part of routine health checkup to measure chloride levels in the blood
· To assess problems in the water and pH balance of the body
What does Chloride measure?
Chloride is an essential mineral which acts as an electrolyte along with potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, etc. It helps to maintain the normal fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. It also acts as a buffer to help maintain the pH balance of the body. It also plays essential roles in metabolism. Chloride is used by the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. Chloride is present in all body fluids and is found in highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid (fluid present outside the cells).
Most of the chloride intake is through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion through other food items. The body absorbs the required amount and the kidneys excrete the remaining through urine. The concentration of chloride in blood is maintained within a very narrow range by the body and usually increases or decreases in direct correlation with sodium levels.
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. What is Hypochloremia?
Q. What are the symptoms of Hypochloremia?
Q. What is Hyperchloremia?
Q. What are the symptoms of Hyperchloremia?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
Q. Is there any preparation required before the Chloride test?
Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the chloride test result is not normal?
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