Chloridetmurscnc

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that measures the amount of chloride in your urine to help evaluate electrolyte balance and kidney function.

Quick summary

{"Measures chloride levels in a urine sample collected over any time period","Helps assess electrolyte balance, kidney function, and acid-base status","Often used together with blood chloride tests for complete evaluation","Abnormal levels may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders","Results are interpreted alongside other electrolyte measurements"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 35676-6
Short code: UCl
Synonyms: Chloride ?Tm Ur-sCnc
Category: electrolyte
Sample: urine
Container: Sterile urine container (plastic, graduated)
Units: not specified
Ref low: 20
Ref high: 250
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: ≥ 0 years
Method: Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or colorimetric method
CPT: 82436
SNOMED: 271571005
Specimen volume: 10-50 mL preferred; minimum 2 mL
Stability: Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max: 0
Lipemia max: 0
Icterus max: 0
TAT: 1–24 hours
Order: routine

What is this test?

The urine chloride test measures the concentration of chloride, an important electrolyte, in your urine. Chloride is a negatively charged ion that works with sodium and other electrolytes to maintain proper fluid balance, nerve function, and acid-base equilibrium in your body. This test can be performed on urine collected over any duration, making it a flexible option for evaluating your electrolyte status.

Your healthcare provider may order this test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or electrolyte panel to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting your body's salt and fluid balance. The test is simple, non-invasive, and requires only a urine sample.

Reference range

20-250 mmol/Lnot specified

Specimen: urine

No special preparation or fasting required; random (untimed) urine collection

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

The urine chloride test helps healthcare providers evaluate several important aspects of your health. It assists in diagnosing and monitoring kidney disorders, as the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating chloride levels in the body. The test is also valuable for assessing acid-base balance disorders, as chloride levels can indicate certain types of metabolic disturbances.

Abnormal urine chloride levels may suggest various conditions. High levels (hyperchloruria) can indicate dehydration, certain kidney diseases, or metabolic acidosis. Low levels (hypochloruria) may be seen in conditions such as congestive heart failure, certain kidney diseases, or electrolyte imbalances. However, results must always be interpreted in context with other test findings and your overall clinical condition.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a urine chloride test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of electrolyte imbalance such as weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or abnormal blood pressure. It is also used to monitor kidney function, evaluate acid-base disorders, and assess the effectiveness of certain treatments or medications that affect electrolyte balance.

How is the urine sample collected?

You will be provided with a sterile container to collect your urine sample. For a random urine sample, you can provide urine at any time of day. For a timed collection, you may need to collect all urine produced over a specific period (such as 24 hours). Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully for accurate results.

Does this test require fasting?

Typically, no fasting is required for a urine chloride test. However, your doctor may provide specific instructions based on your individual situation. It's important to stay well-hydrated unless otherwise instructed.

What do abnormal results mean?

Abnormal urine chloride levels alone do not diagnose a specific condition. High or low levels must be interpreted alongside other test results (such as blood chloride, sodium, and other electrolytes), your symptoms, and medical history. Your healthcare provider will explain what your results mean in your specific case.

Are there any risks to this test?

There are no significant risks associated with providing a urine sample. The test is safe, non-invasive, and uses only a urine sample collected in a sterile container.

Sources

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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