Serum chloride

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Blood test

Overview

Risks

Results

Serum chloride

Normal Values:

Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. A typical normal range is 96 - 106 mEq/L.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter

What abnormal results mean:

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis due to GI bicarbonate loss
Bromism (excess intake of bromide, usually with sub-standard anticonvulsants)
Excess infusion of normal saline
Carbinic anhydrase inhibitors
Renal tubular acidosis

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

Addison's disease
Burns
Chronic compensated respiratory acidosis
Congestive heart failure
Gastric suction or vomiting
Over hydration
Excessive sweating
Salt-losing nephritis
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
Metabolic alkalosis

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Review Date: 6/13/2005
Reviewed By: Debbie Cohen, M.D., Renal and Electrolyte Division, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.