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Chloride

Overview
What is Chloride?
Chloride (Cl-) is both a mineral and an electrolyte. It helps to maintain water and pH balance of the body in combination with other electrolytes. The Blood Chloride Test measures the amount of chloride present in the blood.
Why is Chloride done?
· As a part of routine health checkup to measure chloride levels in the blood
· To assess problems in the water and pH balance of the body
What does Chloride Measure?
Chloride is an essential mineral which acts as an electrolyte along with potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, etc. It helps to maintain the normal fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. It also acts as a buffer to help maintain the pH balance of the body. It also plays essential roles in metabolism. Chloride is used by the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. Chloride is present in all body fluids and is found in highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid (fluid present outside the cells).
Most of the chloride intake is through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion through other food items. The body absorbs the required amount and the kidneys excrete the remaining through urine. The concentration of chloride in blood is maintained within a very narrow range by the body and usually increases or decreases in direct correlation with sodium levels.
Interpreting Chloride results
Interpretations
Normal reference range:
Adults: 98 to 106 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter)
Children: 90 to 110 mEq/L
Newborn: 96 to 106 mEq/L
Higher than normal chloride level is called Hyperchloremia.
Lower than normal chloride level is called Hypochloremia.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chloride
Frequently Asked Questions about Chloride

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