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Ency. home > Test > S > Serum chloride

Serum chloride   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Cl-

Definition:

A test that measures the amount of chloride in serum (serum is the fluid portion of the blood, without fibrinogen).

How the Test is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture) or capillary. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the cells from the serum. The chloride test is done on serum.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your health care provider may instruct you to withhold drugs that can affect the test.

Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, androgens, chlorothiazide, cortisone, estrogen, guanethidine, hydrochlorothiazide, methyldopa, and NSAIDs.

Drugs that may decrease serum chloride measurements include aldosterone (see the aldosterone test), drugs containing bicarbonate, some diuretics, and triamterene.

Why the Test is Performed

Chloride (Cl-) is the major extracellular negative ion in the body. Its main function is to maintain electrical neutrality, mostly as a counter-ion to sodium. Changes in the chloride level often accompany sodium losses and excesses.

Ency. home > Test > S > Serum chloride

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