chloride (cl-) [serum/urine] Test

Chloride is an electrolyte that works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate (total CO2) to help maintain and regulate the amount of fluid (water and electrolyte) balance in the body, stimulate muscle contraction and maintain a stable acid-base balance in blood and tissue cells.

If there's a large loss of chloride, the blood may become more acidic and prevent the occurrence of certain chemical reactions in the body. These reactions are necessary to keep the body working properly. Chloride acts as a buffer and helps to maintain electrical neutrality at the cellular level by moving into or out of the cells as needed.

24 to 36 Hours

The test determines the quantity of chloride in the blood or urine. A chloride test is generally ordered in specific cases llike:-A routine medical exam as part of an electrolyte or metabolic panel To analyze electrolyte imbalances At regular intervals to monitor treatment for electrolylte imbalance For a suspected case of metabolic acidosis (caused by uncontrolled diabetes) or alkalosis (caused by excess vomiting).

To find the cause of loss of salt in cases of dehydration, vomiting or the use of diuretics, where urine chloride would become very low.To assess the excess of certain hormones such as cortisol or aldosterone, where the urine chloride would become high Along with sodium to monitor persons put on a low-salt diet.

The common signs/symptoms are:

• Prolonged vomiting
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Respiratory distress

No Fasting Required.

No special preparations required.

Specimen Type:Serum (Blood Sample)

Venipuncture(Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)Random Mid-Stream Urine Sample(not at the beginning and not at the end) should be collected. Care must be taken to clean the genitals well before collection.

Follow these steps to get the sample:

• Initial or the first few drops of the urine should be discarded in the toilet.
• Mid-stream urine sample should be collected in the sterile container provided.
• Latter part or the end of the urine should not be collected.
• Cap the container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
• 24-hour urine sampleCare must be taken to clean the genitals well before collection.