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Serum chloride - Results

Alternative Names

Chloride - blood

Normal Values:

A typical normal range is 96 - 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

A greater-than-normal level of chloride is called hyperchloremia. It may be due to:

Certain drugs, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used to treat glaucoma)
Dehydration
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Renal tubular acidosis
Too much bromide

A lower-than-normal level of chloride is called hypochloremia. It may be due to:

Addison's disease
Burns
Certain kidney disorders
Chronic compensated respiratory acidosis
Congestive heart failure
Excessive sweating
Gastric suction
Metabolic alkalosis
Overhydration
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
Vomiting

This test may also be done to help rule out or diagnose:

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 4/26/2007
Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Fukagawa M, Kurokawa K, Papadakis MA. Fluid & electrolyte disorders. In: McPhee SJ, Papadakis MA, Tierney LM, Jr. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2007. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2007.

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