Understanding Your Diagnostic Test and What to Expect
A test that measures the amount of chloride in your urine collected over 24 hours to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte balance.
{"This test measures chloride levels in urine collected over a full day","It helps diagnose kidney disorders, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances","You will collect all urine in a special container for 24 hours","Normal results vary but typically range from 110-250 mmol/day","Certain medications and diets can affect your results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21194-6
- Short code
- UCl24
- Synonyms
- Chloride 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (plastic or glass with leak-proof lid)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 110
- Ref high
- 250
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or colorimetric chlorimetric method
- CPT
- 82436
- SNOMED
- 27144005
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection, typically 1000-2000 mL
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days; Protect from light
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–48 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This diagnostic test is used to collect information about your health so your care team can better understand your symptoms, evaluate a possible condition, or monitor how well treatment is working.
The 24-hour urine chloride test measures the amount of chloride, an important electrolyte, in your urine over a 24-hour period. Chloride helps maintain the balance of fluids in your body and works with other electrolytes like sodium and potassium to support proper nerve and muscle function.
How is the test performed? The procedure depends on the specific test and may involve a blood, urine, or other sample, or the use of imaging equipment. Your healthcare professional will explain what to expect and how to prepare.
You will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. On the day of the test, you will collect all your urine starting from the second morning urine (discard the first morning sample but note the time). For the next 24 hours, every time you urinate, you will collect the urine in the container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. Return the container to the lab after the 24-hour collection period is complete.
Why is this test ordered? Your healthcare professional may order this test to investigate symptoms, confirm or rule out a possible diagnosis, check your general health, guide treatment decisions, or monitor changes over time.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders. It helps evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning and whether your body is properly maintaining acid-base balance.
Reference range
110-250 mmol/24 hnot specified
Complete 24-hour urine collection required; refrigerate specimen during collection; no fasting needed
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated urine chloride levels may indicate kidney disease, certain types of metabolic acidosis, diuretic use, or excessive salt intake. Low urine chloride levels can result from dehydration, congestive heart failure, or certain kidney disorders that cause chloride retention. This test is often used together with blood chloride tests and other electrolyte panels to get a complete picture of your electrolyte status.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I exercise during the collection period?
What happens if I forget to collect a urine sample?
Are there medications that affect this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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