Chloride (Cl) Test - Serum

Chloride is an electrolyte found in the blood, urine and body fluids. Chloride helps move fluid in and out of your cells. So if your chloride levels drop, you can become sick and dehydrated. If your levels are too high, it often means your kidneys aren’t working properly. Chlorides along with sodium and potassium give the electrolyte status of the body. Chloride levels are measured with other electrolytes to identify or monitor conditions like diseases of the heart, kidney, liver, etc.

A chloride (Cl) serum blood test is often used as a part of a routine blood screening to check general health and to diagnose conditions related to electrolyte or fluid imbalance in the body.

The chloride test, also known as the serum chloride test or CI test, is a laboratory test that measures the level of chloride ions in the blood. Chloride is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of fluids and the acid-base balance (pH) in the body. This test is usually performed as part of a routine blood screening or as an electrolyte panel, which includes measurements of other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate.

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs