Short Name: Cl
Sample required: Serum
Result Time: 1 Days
Chloride is an electrolyte, a negatively charged molecule that works with other electrolytes (sodium, potassium and bicarbonate), to help regulate the amount of fluid in the body and maintain the acid-base balance. Chloride concentrations are directly proportional with sodium concentrations. INCREASED levels of blood chloride usually indicate dehydration, but can also occur with other problems such as Cushings syndrome, kidney disease, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, diarrhea, and over-activity of the parathyroid gland. DECREASED levels occur with any disorder that causes low blood sodium. Hypochloremia occurs with prolonged vomiting or gastric suction, emphysema or other chronic lung diseases, and metabolic alkalosis