Chloride Testing (Cl)
How to check your Chloride levels with a laboratory test
What Is A Chloride Test For?
Chloride (Cl) is an electrolyte which helps maintain the normal acid-alkali (pH) balance and levels of water in the body.
Chloride is eaten in the form of sodium chloride - salt - so it normally increases or decreases in direct relationship to sodium.
It is tested to assess if the body’s pH balance is correct.
Learn all about Chloride Testing:
What If Chloride Test Levels Are High?
Hyperchloraemia is the term given to increased levels of chloride. This is usually an indication of dehydration.
It can also occur with other problems that lead to high sodium levels, so this should be taken into consideration also. For example the use of diuretics that affect sodium levels will also lead to changes in chloride such as the use of diuretics. Likewise long term usage of laxatives or high dosage of antacids can also cause low blood chloride.
Other causes include when excessive alkaline fluid is lost, causing metabolic acidosis, or due to hyperventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis.
What If Chloride Test Levels Are Low?
A decreased level of blood chloride occurs with any disorder that also causes low blood sodium and there are number of drugs and medical conditions that can do so. It also occurs with prolonged vomiting or gastric suction, chronic diarrhoea, emphysema and with loss of acid from the body (called metabolic alkalosis).
How To Test Chloride?
The Chloride (Cl) Test allows you to accurately check your levels of Chloride in a fingerprick blood sample.
You can check your Chloride levels by buying a laboratory test kit with a Patient Reception visit below. Your sample is then professionally analysed in an accredited laboratory for total reassurance. The Vitall Kidney Function Laboratory Test Kit includes a Chloride test and is available for just £69.
Please see the following test kit:
