Chloridebldascnc
A blood test that measures the level of chloride, an important electrolyte, in your arterial blood to help evaluate your body's acid-base balance and hydration status.
{"Chloride is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and stomach acid production","This test is often part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or arterial blood gas test","Abnormal chloride levels may indicate dehydration, kidney problems, or acid-base imbalances"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41650-3
- Short code
- Cl-AB
- Synonyms
- Chloride BldA-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Heparinized syringe (arterial blood gas syringe) or lithium heparin tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 96
- Ref high
- 106
- Critical range
- 80 not specified – 120 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or indirect potentiometry
- CPT
- 82436
- SNOMED
- 365761006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Arterial Blood Chloride test measures the concentration of chloride in your arterial blood. Chloride is an essential electrolyte that works with other electrolytes like sodium and potassium to maintain proper fluid balance, support nerve and muscle function, and help regulate the body's acid-base balance. This test uses arterial blood rather than venous blood because it provides more accurate information about oxygenation and acid-base status.
Why is this test performed?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to: evaluate electrolyte balance, diagnose and monitor kidney disorders, assess acid-base imbalances (such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis), monitor conditions affecting electrolyte levels like heart failure or hypertension, check hydration status, and evaluate the effectiveness of certain medications or treatments.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from an artery, typically in your wrist (radial artery) or sometimes from your arm or groin. The area will be cleaned with antiseptic, and a small needle will be used to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief sting or discomfort during the draw. After collection, pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Understanding your results
Normal chloride levels in arterial blood typically range from 96 to 106 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter), though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Your results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider in conjunction with other electrolyte values and your overall clinical condition. Abnormal results do not necessarily indicate a problem—your doctor will consider your symptoms and other test results to make an accurate diagnosis.
Reference range
96-106 mmol/Lnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required; arterial blood sample
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the arterial blood draw painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my chloride levels are abnormal?
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy