Chloride test - blood - Overview

Alternative Names

Serum chloride test

Definition of Chloride test - blood:

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2) to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.

This article discusses the laboratory test to measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

How the test is performed:

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.

How to prepare for the test:

Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results.

Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include:

Acetazolamide
Ammonium chloride
Androgens
Cortisone
Estrogen
Guanethidine
Methyldopa
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Drugs that may lower serum chloride measurements include:

Aldosterone
Bicarbonate-containing compounds
Loop diuretics
Thiazide diuretics
Triamterene

Never stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor.

Why the test is performed:

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a disturbance in your body's fluid level or acid-base balance.

This test is usually ordered along with other blood tests, such as a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel.

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 6/1/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

DuBose TD Jr. Disorders of acid-base balance. In: Brenner BM, ed. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 14.

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.

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