Chloride
Everything you need to know about Chloride levels, including what normal ranges look like and what abnormal results might indicate.
Standard Reference Range
Unit: mmol/LReference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.
What is Chloride?
Chloride is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base homeostasis. It's a major component of stomach acid.
Key Takeaway
Chloride usually changes in parallel with sodium. The chloride level helps diagnose acid-base disorders.
Why is this test performed?
Chloride testing helps:
- Assess fluid and electrolyte balance
- Evaluate acid-base status
- Investigate vomiting or diarrhea
- Calculate anion gap
- Monitor kidney function
Interpreting Your Results
Low Chloride (Hypochloremia)
＜98 mmol/L indicates low chloride:
Common Causes:
- Prolonged vomiting (loss of HCl)
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Excessive sweating
- Diuretic use
- SIADH
- Addison's disease
Symptoms:
- Often none specific
- Related to underlying cause
- Weakness, confusion if severe
High Chloride (Hyperchloremia)
＞107 mmol/L indicates high chloride:
Common Causes:
- Dehydration
- Metabolic acidosis
- Kidney disease (renal tubular acidosis)
- Diarrhea (bicarbonate loss)
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Excessive saline IV fluids
Symptoms:
- Deep, rapid breathing (if acidosis)
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Clinical Significance
Anion Gap Calculation: Anion Gap = (Na + K) - (Cl + HCO₃)
- Normal: 8-16 mmol/L
- High anion gap acidosis: Chloride relatively low
- Normal anion gap acidosis: Chloride relatively high
Metabolic Alkalosis:
- Vomiting → Low chloride + High bicarbonate
- "Chloride-responsive" alkalosis
Related Tests
- Sodium: Usually moves together
- Bicarbonate: Assess acid-base status
- Anion Gap: Diagnose acidosis type
- Arterial Blood Gas: Complete acid-base assessment
Decode your Serum Chloride Results
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