CHLORIDE

CHLORIDE - serum

Application: To assess the possible cause of acid-base disturbances; calculation of anion gap.

Explanation:  Chloride is the major extracellular anion.  Chloride levels will follow sodium losses sodium excesses to maintain electrical neutrality. Low serum chloride values are observed in prolonged vomiting with loss of HCl, in metabolic alkalotic states, respiratory acidosis,etc. Hypernatremia, metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis are associated with high serum chloride. An increased anion gap indicates accumulation of an anion other than chloride (eg lactate, hydroxybutyrate); this usually occurs with metabolic acidosis.


Specimen: 5 ml blood in red- or green-top tube.

Reference Interval:
95-106 mEq/L.