Chloride

What is Chloride?

Chloride is an electrolyte that helps maintain the amount of fluid in the body and acid-base (pH) balance. It is negatively charged and works with potassium, sodium and bicarbonate. The job of this electrolyte is to regulate the fluids in your body as well as maintaining an acid/base balance. The highest concentration of chloride is found in the blood and some in the liquid surrounding the cells.

Our body gets its chloride from the food we eat; and most specifically, table salt. We need about 2.3 g of chloride per day. This number changes according to gender and sex. Food that contain chloride are meats, butter, tomatoes, lettuce, celery and olives.

Why take a Chloride test?

The Chloride test is commonly ordered with Potassium, Sodium and Carbon Dioxide, also known as an Electrolyte Panel or may be ordered in routine testing such as a CMP or BMP. The chloride test is not typically ordered individually; but, may be ordered individually when you need to analyze the results and new values are needed for comparison.

The Chloride test, along with other electrolytes, may be ordered when an individual is experiencing signs or symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance or acid-base (pH) imbalance. Some of these signs and symptoms may be:

• Prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Weakness, fatigue
• Difficulty breathing (respiratory distress)
• Electrolytes may also be ordered when an individual is taking a medication that may affect these levels and they need to be monitored routinely

What can cause Chloride levels to rise?

Many factors affect the levels of chloride in the blood. These include diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and high fever that could lead to loss in our body fluids. Kidney failure can cause an imbalance in this mineral. Diabetes insipidus as well as consuming high levels of steroids and diuretics can elevate chloride numbers. Certain medications, like those used for glaucoma as well as bromide poisoning and antacids, may lead to higher than normal levels of chloride.

What your Chloride test results mean?

Adults’ normal Chloride levels range between 97 and 107 mEq/L. High levels of chloride can indicate dehydration as well as high blood sodium issues, like when there is a kidney disease. Low levels of blood chloride can occur when there is low blood sodium, such as the case of those with congestive heart failure, prolonged vomiting, emphysema and metabolic alkalosis.

Where can I get a Chloride test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Oct 24, 2019