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

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

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

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

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

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

• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Kidney Function Tests
• Dehydration
• Hyperchloremia
• Hypochloremia

References

• MedlinePlus: Chloride in Blood
• Mayo Clinic: Chloride Test

• 
  Serum chloride