Chloridewatmcnc
A blood test that measures the amount of chloride in your blood to evaluate electrolyte balance and kidney function.
{"Chloride is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in your body","Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances","The test is part of routine blood work (metabolic panel or electrolyte panel)","No special preparation is typically needed","Results are usually available within a day"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54494-0
- Short code
- CL
- Synonyms
- Chloride Wat-mCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top 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
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) potentiometry or colorimetric method using mercuric thiocyanate
- CPT
- 82435
- SNOMED
- 271295004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride, an important electrolyte, in your blood. Chloride is a negatively charged ion that works alongside sodium and potassium to maintain proper fluid balance, blood pressure, and helps your body maintain the right pH (acid-base) balance. It also plays a role in digestion by contributing to stomach acid (hydrochloric acid).
Why is it done?
Your healthcare provider may order a chloride test as part of a routine metabolic panel or electrolyte panel. It helps evaluate: kidney function, fluid balance, acid-base balance, and overall electrolyte status. It may also be used to monitor certain conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure, or liver disease, and to check for side effects of medications such as diuretics.
What do the results mean?
Normal chloride levels typically range from 96 to 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), though reference ranges may vary by laboratory. High chloride levels (hyperchloremia) may indicate dehydration, kidney problems, or metabolic acidosis. Low chloride levels (hypochloremia) may be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, certain diuretics, or heart failure. Your doctor will interpret your results along with other electrolyte values.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period before the test, depending on your doctor's instructions. After the blood is drawn, you can resume normal activities immediately.
Reference range
96-106 mEq/Lnot specified
No special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
What happens if my chloride levels are abnormal?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Is the test safe?
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