Chloride Test (Cl-)
The Chloride Test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is the most abundant extracellular anion (negatively charged ion) in the body and works closely with sodium and bicarbonate to maintain the body's fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and acid-base status.
The test is almost always ordered as part of an electrolyte panel or a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) to diagnose or monitor conditions that affect the balance of water, salt, and acidity in the body.
The Chloride test is crucial for assessing overall hydration and metabolic stability. It is used to:
- Diagnose Acid-Base Imbalances: Imbalances in Cl- levels are often linked to changes in bicarbonate, which is the body's main buffer against acidosis (too much acid) or alkalosis (too much base).
- Monitor Fluid Balance: It helps evaluate conditions involving severe dehydration, excessive vomiting, or diarrhea, which cause rapid fluid and electrolyte loss.
- Investigate Kidney Function: The kidneys are responsible for regulating and excreting Cl-. Abnormal levels can indicate acute or chronic kidney problems.
- Diagnose Specific Conditions: Used in the workup for conditions like Cystic Fibrosis (where a sweat chloride test is diagnostic) and certain hormonal disorders.
