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<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeMedicalTest HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a> </p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Chloride (Cl) Test</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6326"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d4032d6d" fingerprint-exact="4fcae40e">Test Overview</h2> <p fingerprint="61c3da5e" fingerprint-exact="328c190e">A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="ste122049" data-hw-section="ste122049-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="ste122049" data-hwid="ste122049" hw:section-href="ste122049-sec" href="?id=ste122049#ste122049-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">electrolytes</span></a> in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1367" data-hw-section="stp1367-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1367" data-hwid="stp1367" hw:section-href="stp1367-sec" href="?id=stp1367#stp1367-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">pH</span></a> of your body fluids. Tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate are usually done at the same time as a blood test for chloride.</p> <p fingerprint="055e564a" fingerprint-exact="1e812c9c">Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat. Chloride is absorbed by your <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="tp10133" data-hw-section="tp10133-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="tp10133" data-hwid="tp10133" hw:section-href="tp10133-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=tp10133#tp10133-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">intestines</span></a> when you digest food. Extra chloride leaves your body in your urine.</p> <p fingerprint="f2aba474" fingerprint-exact="9748471b">Sometimes a test for chloride can be done on a one-time random sample of urine or on a sample of all your urine collected over a 24-hour period (called a 24-hour urine sample). This can help find out how much chloride is leaving your body in your urine.</p> <p fingerprint="8a7139ad" fingerprint-exact="1a9789c7">Chloride can also be measured in skin sweat to test for <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stc123784" data-hw-section="stc123784-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stc123784" data-hwid="stc123784" hw:section-href="stc123784-sec" href="?id=stc123784#stc123784-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">cystic fibrosis</span></a>.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6332"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="3d5095ef" fingerprint-exact="55cd7304">Why It Is Done</h2> <p fingerprint="9d25f20a" fingerprint-exact="37621a1e">A test for chloride may be done to:</p> <ul fingerprint="116d14b5" fingerprint-exact="d1e485e8"> <li>Check your chloride level if you are having symptoms such as muscle twitching or spasms, breathing problems, weakness, or confusion.</li> <li>Find out whether you have <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="tp10117" data-hw-section="tp10117-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="tp10117" data-hwid="tp10117" hw:section-href="tp10117-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=tp10117#tp10117-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">kidney</span></a> or <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123135" data-hw-section="sta123135-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123135" data-hwid="sta123135" hw:section-href="sta123135-sec" href="?id=sta123135#sta123135-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">adrenal gland</span></a> problems.</li> <li>Help find the cause for high blood pH. A condition called metabolic alkalosis can be caused by a loss of acid from your body (for example, from a loss of electrolytes through prolonged vomiting or diarrhea). You may also have metabolic alkalosis if your body loses too much sodium or you eat too much baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).</li> </ul> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6338"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="026e985e" fingerprint-exact="df1d0bbc">How To Prepare</h2> <ul fingerprint="e7201028" fingerprint-exact="43845f8d"> <li>In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.</li> <li>For 24-hour urine collection, your doctor or lab will usually give you a large container that holds about 1 gallon. </li> </ul> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6340"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="e59ce77f" fingerprint-exact="42dd83e2">How It Is Done</h2> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="2856932f" fingerprint-exact="020df966">Blood test</h3> <p fingerprint="5aae0cd8" fingerprint-exact="a27baf64">A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="24680ca2" fingerprint-exact="36713ae8">Urine test</h3> <p fingerprint="d4971ab9" fingerprint-exact="543c8783">This test is usually done at home. You must collect all the urine you produce in a 24-hour period.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="5fddae8a" fingerprint-exact="0df51a65">Timed urine collection</h3> <p fingerprint="4b3c5fa2" fingerprint-exact="1addb17a">You collect your urine for a period of time, such as over 4 or 24 hours. Your doctor will give you a large container that holds about 1 gallon. A small amount of preservative may be in the container. You will use the container to collect your urine.</p> <ul fingerprint="151d7f94" fingerprint-exact="b8e28235"> <li>When you first get up, you empty your bladder. <p>But don't save this urine. Write down the time you began.</p></li> <li>For the set period of time, collect all your urine. <p>Each time you urinate during this time period, collect your urine in a small, clean container. Then pour the urine into the large container. Don't touch the inside of either container with your fingers.</p></li> <li>Don't get toilet paper, pubic hair, stool (feces), menstrual blood, or anything else in the urine sample. </li> <li>Keep the collected urine in the refrigerator for the collection time. </li> <li>Empty your bladder for the last time at or just before the end of the collection period. <p>Add this urine to the large container. Then write down the time.</p></li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="ffd3beac" fingerprint-exact="500b4a26">Watch</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwMediaLinks"> <ul fingerprint="2a924914" fingerprint-exact="939aff65"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="acj1944" data-hw-section="acj1944-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="acj1944" data-hwid="acj1944" hw:section-href="acj1944-sec" hw:link-type="video" href="?id=acj1944#acj1944-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Learning About Your Blood Test</span><br><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/acj1944_416x312.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/acj1944_416x312.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.3/en-us/media/thumbnails/acj1944_416x312.jpg" width="416" height="312" alt hw:release-quarter="14.3"></a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="aci5157" data-hw-section="aci5157-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="aci5157" data-hwid="aci5157" hw:section-href="aci5157-sec" hw:link-type="video" href="?id=aci5157#aci5157-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Learning About Blood Tests for Children</span><br><img class="HwMediaImage" data-hw-resource-path="media/thumbnails/aci5157_416x312.jpg" hw:resource-path="media/thumbnails/aci5157_416x312.jpg" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.3/en-us/media/thumbnails/aci5157_416x312.jpg" width="416" height="312" alt hw:release-quarter="14.3"></a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6356"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="2dd5db50" fingerprint-exact="deba34d5">How It Feels</h2> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="2856932f" fingerprint-exact="020df966">Blood test</h3> <p fingerprint="1ac94c75" fingerprint-exact="5d3995d8">When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="24680ca2" fingerprint-exact="36713ae8">Urine test</h3> <p fingerprint="99727eaf" fingerprint-exact="86941960">This test usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6361"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="a566bce5" fingerprint-exact="1aacb8d8">Risks</h2> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="2856932f" fingerprint-exact="020df966">Blood test</h3> <p fingerprint="f81952f3" fingerprint-exact="73b0e5b4">There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="24680ca2" fingerprint-exact="36713ae8">Urine test</h3> <p fingerprint="47dce289" fingerprint-exact="0c6de241">There is very little chance of having a problem from this test.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw6371"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="9413e669" fingerprint-exact="9fa3e414">Results</h2> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="7d152b4d" fingerprint-exact="218568e4">Normal</h3> <p fingerprint="22049f10" fingerprint-exact="465acd27">Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="96d75d7a" fingerprint-exact="f50debc7">Abnormal</h3> <p fingerprint="37486267" fingerprint-exact="1e499480">High chloride levels may be caused by:</p> <ul fingerprint="0a5bd1b6" fingerprint-exact="0ef9690d"> <li> <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="std120726" data-hw-section="std120726-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="std120726" data-hwid="std120726" hw:section-href="std120726-sec" href="?id=std120726#std120726-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Dehydration</span></a>, such as from diarrhea or vomiting.</li> <li>Eating a lot of salt.</li> <li>Kidney disease.</li> <li>An overactive <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1239" data-hw-section="stp1239-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1239" data-hwid="stp1239" hw:section-href="stp1239-sec" href="?id=stp1239#stp1239-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">parathyroid gland</span></a> (hyperparathyroidism).</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="0cc33547" fingerprint-exact="15f52b31">Low chloride levels may be caused by:</p> <ul fingerprint="a10a0fa8" fingerprint-exact="f63eaac6"> <li>Conditions that cause too much water to build up in the body, such as with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).</li> <li> <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123142" data-hw-section="sta123142-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123142" data-hwid="sta123142" hw:section-href="sta123142-sec" href="?id=sta123142#sta123142-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Addison's disease</span></a>.</li> <li>A condition that raises the <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1367" data-hw-section="stp1367-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1367" data-hwid="stp1367" hw:section-href="stp1367-sec" href="?id=stp1367#stp1367-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">pH</span></a> of the blood above the normal range (metabolic alkalosis).</li> <li> <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sth123766" data-hw-section="sth123766-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sth123766" data-hwid="sth123766" hw:section-href="sth123766-sec" href="?id=sth123766#sth123766-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Heart failure</span></a>.</li> <li>Ongoing vomiting.</li> </ul> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-hw6323-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="c77b45ca" fingerprint-exact="dae0a417"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="zm2257" data-hw-section="zm2257-sec" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="zm2257" data-hwid="zm2257" hw:section-href="zm2257-sec" href="?id=zm2257#zm2257-sec">Medical Tests: Questions to Ask the Doctor</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="MedicalTest" data-hw-document-href="hw5781" data-hw-section="hw5784" hw:document-type="MedicalTest" hw:document-href="hw5781" data-hwid="hw5781" hw:section-href="hw5784" href="?id=hw5781#hw5784">Sweat Test</a></li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwCreditsSection HwSectionCredits" id="sec-hw6323-Credits"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle">Credits</h2><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span> April 30, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</span></a><br><span><b><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Clinical Review Board</span></a></b></span><br>All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation"><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:block" id="secNav-hw6326"><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="MedicalTest" data-hw-document-href="hw6323" data-hw-section="hw6332" id="nextLink-hw6332" hw:document-type="MedicalTest" hw:document-href="hw6323" data-hwid="hw6323" hw:section-href="hw6332" href="?id=hw6323#hw6332">Why It Is Done</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" 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