Serum chloride

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Serum Chloride

Serum chloride is an important electrolyte that helps balance the amount of fluid in your body and maintain the pH balance. It is a type of electrolyte which works with potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate to help regulate the amount of fluid in the body and maintain the acid-base balance. This article will provide a detailed overview of serum chloride, its functions, and its importance in the human body.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Chloride is the most abundant anion in the human body and plays a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration, blood volume, and pH balance. It is primarily found in the blood and in the fluid outside of the body's cells. The kidneys control the amount of chloride in the blood and excrete chloride into the urine.

Function[edit | edit source]

Chloride, along with other electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, helps to ensure that the body's cells function properly. It helps to maintain the body's acid-base balance, regulate fluids, and transmit nerve impulses.

Measurement[edit | edit source]

The serum chloride test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of chloride in the blood. It is often part of a routine electrolyte panel or basic metabolic panel. The test can help diagnose or monitor conditions that affect the body's electrolyte balance, such as dehydration, kidney disease, and certain hormonal disorders.

Normal Range[edit | edit source]

The normal range for serum chloride is typically between 96 and 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). However, this range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample.

Abnormal Levels[edit | edit source]

Abnormal levels of serum chloride can indicate a variety of conditions. High levels, known as hyperchloremia, can be caused by dehydration, certain kidney diseases, and sometimes from overactive parathyroid glands. Low levels, known as hypochloremia, can be due to certain medical conditions such as heart failure, certain kidney diseases, and prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Serum chloride Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD