Understanding the Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: What It Is, How It's Done, and What Your Results Mean for Your Overall Health
This test measures the chloride level in breast milk, which is an important electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and proper hydration.
{"Chloride is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in breast milk","Normal breast milk chloride levels typically range from 80-120 mEq/L","Abnormal levels may indicate issues with milk composition or maternal health","The test requires a small sample of expressed breast milk","Results help healthcare providers assess milk quality and infant nutrition"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60217-7
- Short code
- Cl-milk
- Synonyms
- Chloride Mother Milk-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Clean, sterile plastic container or milk collection kit
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 11
- Ref high
- 16
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or indirect potentiometry
- CPT
- 82436 (Chloride, blood, serum, plasma, or urine) or 83789 (ionized calcium)
- SNOMED
- 365549006
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of breast milk
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours; frozen (-20°C) for longer storage up to 2 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that provides a snapshot of your overall health and helps detect a variety of conditions, including anemia, infection, inflammation, and even certain blood cancers. It measures several key components of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This test helps doctors diagnose medical issues, monitor ongoing treatment, or screen for potential problems during routine checkups, making it a vital tool in preventive care.
The Chloride in Breast Milk test measures the concentration of chloride, an important electrolyte, in a sample of breast milk. Chloride is a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper balance of fluids in the body and contributes to the overall composition of breast milk. This test is typically ordered to evaluate the quality of breast milk or to investigate certain conditions in breastfeeding infants.
To perform a CBC, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. The procedure is quick, usually lasting just a few minutes, and you may feel a brief, sharp sting when the needle is inserted. After the blood is collected, it is sent to a laboratory where an automated analyzer counts and evaluates the different cell types. No special preparation such as fasting is typically required, though your doctor will give you specific instructions if any additional steps are necessary before the test.
A small sample of breast milk is collected by expressing milk into a clean container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using specialized equipment to measure the chloride concentration. The procedure is simple and does not cause any discomfort. It is important to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding sample collection, such as timing and storage.
Your CBC results provide detailed information about the number and quality of your blood cells, which can reveal important clues about your health. Abnormal levels may indicate various issues: low red blood cell counts often point to anemia, elevated white blood cells commonly suggest infection or inflammation, and decreased platelet levels can increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests you've had, then explain what they mean specifically for you and discuss any recommended follow-up or treatment options.
Normal breast milk chloride levels typically range from 80 to 120 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your individual situation. Higher than normal levels may indicate mastitis, breast infection, or other conditions affecting milk composition. Lower than normal levels are less common but may warrant further investigation. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider to understand what they mean for you and your baby.
Reference range
11-16 mmol/Lnot specified
No special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Measuring chloride in breast milk can provide valuable information about milk quality and composition. Elevated chloride levels in breast milk may be associated with mastitis (breast infection), which causes inflammation and changes in milk composition. This test can also be useful in monitoring breastfeeding outcomes and in cases where an infant is experiencing electrolyte imbalances. Healthcare providers may use this information to guide nutritional recommendations and to ensure optimal infant development.
Frequently asked questions
Why would my doctor order this test?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Is the test safe for my baby?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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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