Chloride ion concentration in serum
This test measures the amount of chloride, a key electrolyte, in your blood serum. Chloride helps maintain fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function.
["Chloride levels help doctors assess hydration, kidney function, and acid-base balance in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36021-4
- Short code
- CT Hip-R
- Synonyms
- CT Hip-R
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, or imbalances in fluids and electrolytes. It’s also used in monitoring treatments for conditions such as heart failure or severe vomiting/diarrhea.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw a blood sample. The process is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your chloride levels are too high or too low, which can affect how your body regulates fluids and acids. Abnormal levels may signal underlying health issues that need further evaluation.
Common Conditions Affecting Chloride Levels
High chloride levels (hyperchloremia) can occur with dehydration, kidney problems, or excessive use of certain medications. Low chloride levels (hypochloremia) may result from overuse of laxatives, vomiting, or conditions like heart failure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Chloride plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and acid-base equilibrium. Abnormal levels can indicate serious conditions like kidney dysfunction, severe dehydration, or metabolic disorders that require prompt medical attention.
Short name
Serum Chloride
Frequently asked questions
What causes high chloride levels in the blood?
What causes low chloride levels in the blood?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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