Chloride, 24-hr Urine
CPT Code(s):
82436
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
5.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Urine Tube or Plastic Urine Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect random urine without preservatives.
Rejection Criteria:
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; specimen in expired transport container; specimen received after prolonged delay; specimen in nonsterile or leaking container.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
7 days
Clinical Significance
Measuring chloride levels in a 24-hour urine collection can offer valuable clinical insights into various aspects of kidney function, electrolyte balance, and overall health. Here are some of the clinical significances of chloride in a 24-hour urine sample:
1. **Evaluation of Electrolyte Balance**: Chloride is a key electrolyte in the body, and its levels in urine reflect the balance between intake, excretion, and reabsorption. Abnormal chloride levels in a 24-hour urine collection may indicate electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration, overhydration, or excessive salt intake.
2. **Assessment of Kidney Function**: The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining chloride homeostasis by regulating its reabsorption and excretion. Abnormal chloride levels in a 24-hour urine sample can provide valuable information about kidney function and may indicate renal tubular disorders or impaired renal function.
3. **Diagnosis and Monitoring of Renal Tubular Disorders**: Conditions such as renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and Bartter syndrome are characterized by abnormalities in renal tubular function, including impaired chloride reabsorption. Measurement of chloride levels in a 24-hour urine collection can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of these disorders.
4. **Evaluation of Acid-Base Balance**: Chloride ions are involved in acid-base regulation in the body, and abnormalities in urine chloride levels may indicate disturbances in acid-base balance, such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
5. **Assessment of Fluid and Volume Status**: Urine chloride levels can provide valuable information about an individual's fluid and volume status. Low urine chloride levels may indicate dehydration, while high urine chloride levels may suggest overhydration or excessive salt intake.
6. **Monitoring Treatment Response**: Changes in urine chloride levels over time can help assess the response to treatment for electrolyte imbalances, kidney disorders, or acid-base disturbances. Adjustments to medication or fluid intake may be necessary based on urine chloride measurements.
Overall, measuring chloride levels in a 24-hour urine collection is an important component of the comprehensive evaluation of kidney function, electrolyte balance, and acid-base status in clinical practice. Interpretation of urine chloride levels should be done in conjunction with other clinical parameters and in the context of the patient's overall health status.