Chloride
Track Chloride levels to assess electrolyte balance and kidney function. Learn about mineral regulation for optimal health.
What is Chloride?
Chloride is the major anion (negatively charged ion) in blood and extracellular fluid. It works closely with sodium to maintain proper fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance. Chloride helps regulate the amount of fluid in and out of cells and maintains electrical neutrality in the body.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors order chloride tests to evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base status, and kidney function. It’s routinely measured as part of basic metabolic panels to detect dehydration, kidney disorders, and certain hormonal imbalances that affect electrolyte levels.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges vary by lab. General adult guidelines:
- Adults: 98–106 mmol/L
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low Chloride
Low chloride levels (hypochloremia) may indicate:
- Prolonged vomiting or gastric suctioning
- Chronic diarrhea
- Certain diuretics
- Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
High Chloride
Elevated chloride levels (hyperchloremia) can result from:
- Dehydration
- Kidney disease
- Metabolic acidosis
- Certain medications or excessive saline intake
How to Track Over Time
Tracking chloride alongside other electrolytes reveals patterns in fluid balance and kidney function. Persistent abnormalities may indicate underlying conditions requiring treatment, while acute changes often reflect dehydration or medication effects.
Track your Chloride results over time
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