Chloridetmsuburqn
A urine test that measures the amount of chloride in your urine to help evaluate your body's electrolyte balance and kidney function.
{"Measures chloride levels in a urine sample","Helps diagnose and monitor kidney disorders and electrolyte imbalances","Results can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or other health conditions","A simple, non-invasive urine test","Often part of routine electrolyte panels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32542-3
- Short code
- ClU
- Synonyms
- Chloride ?Tm sub Ur Qn
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine collection container or 24-hour urine collection container with preservative
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 110
- Ref high
- 250
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or indirect potentiometry
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 104435006
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL for random collection; complete 24-hour collection for timed specimens
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine chloride test measures the amount of chloride, an important electrolyte, in your urine. Chloride is a mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in your body and is a key component of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), which aids in digestion. This test is typically performed on a urine sample collected over an unspecified period of time.
Why is it done?
Your healthcare provider may order a urine chloride test to: evaluate your electrolyte balance, assess kidney function, monitor certain health conditions, diagnose the cause of abnormal blood pressure, or check for dehydration. It is often part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or electrolyte panel.
How to prepare
Generally, no special preparation is needed for a urine chloride test. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications that might affect the results, such as diuretics (water pills). Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Stay well-hydrated unless otherwise directed.
Understanding your results
Normal urine chloride levels vary depending on your diet and fluid intake. High urine chloride levels may indicate high salt intake, certain kidney disorders, or use of diuretics. Low levels may suggest dehydration, certain digestive conditions, or electrolyte imbalances. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
No established reference range (varies widely with diet, hydration, and collection duration)not specified
No fasting or special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is the urine chloride test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What can cause high urine chloride levels?
What can cause low urine chloride levels?
Do I need to fast before 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