Chloride12hursrate
A test that measures the amount of chloride excreted in urine over a 12-hour period to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte balance.
{"Measures chloride levels in urine collected over 12 hours","Helps diagnose kidney problems and electrolyte imbalances","Used to monitor conditions like kidney disease and metabolic disorders","Requires collecting all urine produced during a 12-hour period","Results help doctors assess how well your kidneys are working"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57342-8
- Short code
- CLU12
- Synonyms
- Chloride 12h Ur-sRate
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine collection container (24-hour or 12-hour collection container)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 55
- Ref high
- 125
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) or Indirect Potentiometry
- CPT
- 82436
- SNOMED
- 271444005
- Specimen volume
- Complete 12-hour urine collection (typical volume 500-2000 mL depending on hydration)
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 7 days; Room temperature: 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 12-hour urine chloride test measures the amount of chloride, an important electrolyte, that your kidneys filter out and excrete in your urine over a 12-hour period. Chloride works with other electrolytes like sodium and potassium to maintain the right balance of fluids in your body and help your muscles and nerves work properly.
How is the test done?
You will be given a special container to collect all your urine for 12 hours. This usually starts in the morning after you wake up. You will urinate into the container for the first time, then save all subsequent urine in the container for the next 12 hours. At the end of the 12 hours, you will urinate one more time into the container. It is important to collect every drop during this time for accurate results. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place as instructed.
Why is this test important?
This test helps your doctor understand how your kidneys are functioning and check for imbalances in your body's electrolytes. Abnormal chloride levels in urine can indicate various conditions affecting your kidneys, adrenal glands, or metabolism.
Reference range
55-125 mmol/12 hnot specified
Timed 12-hour urine collection required (discard first void, collect all urine for next 12 hours and refrigerate); no fasting needed
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if I miss collecting some urine during the 12-hour period?
Are there any risks to this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy