Chloride is a negatively charged molecule known as an electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, salt (sodium), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.
The serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion of the blood.
Blood is drawn from a vein or capillary. A laboratory machine spins the blood to separate the cells from the serum, and the level of chloride in the serum is measured.
How to prepare for the test:
Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain drugs that can affect test results.
Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include:
Acetazolamide
Ammonium chloride
Androgens
Cortisone
Estrogen
Guanethidine
Methyldopa
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Drugs that may lower serum chloride measurements include:
Aldosterone
Bicarbonates
Certain diuretics
Triamterene
Never stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor.
Review Date: 4/26/2007
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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