Chloride
CPT Code(s):
82435
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Chloride holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical chemistry and electrolyte balance assessment. This test measures the level of chloride, an essential electrolyte, in a patient's blood.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Chloride include:
1. Assessment of Electrolyte Balance: Chloride is an important component of evaluating electrolyte balance in the body. Chloride plays a crucial role in maintaining proper fluid balance, acid-base balance, and osmotic pressure. Abnormal chloride levels can indicate electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperchloremia (elevated chloride levels) or hypochloremia (low chloride levels), which may occur due to various underlying conditions.
2. Acid-Base Balance Evaluation: Chloride is closely related to the body's acid-base balance. It works in conjunction with bicarbonate ions to maintain the pH balance in the blood and other body fluids. Changes in chloride levels can reflect alterations in acid-base status, such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. Chloride helps healthcare providers assess acid-base disturbances and guide appropriate treatment interventions.
3. Monitoring Kidney Function: Chloride is used to monitor kidney function. The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining chloride balance by regulating its reabsorption or excretion. Abnormal chloride levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, such as renal tubular acidosis or impaired renal handling of electrolytes. The test aids in monitoring kidney function and guiding further diagnostic investigations.
4. Evaluation of Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders: Chloride is valuable in evaluating fluid and electrolyte disorders. Abnormal chloride levels, along with other electrolyte abnormalities, can provide insights into the underlying cause of conditions such as dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney diseases, or certain endocrine disorders. The test helps healthcare providers assess the severity and type of fluid and electrolyte imbalances and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
5. Monitoring Response to Therapy: Chloride is used to monitor the response to treatment in electrolyte disorders. Serial measurements of chloride levels over time help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of interventions, such as fluid and electrolyte replacement therapies, diuretic therapy, or medications affecting chloride balance. Monitoring changes in chloride levels guides treatment adjustments or modifications.
In summary, Chloride has specific clinical significance in assessing electrolyte balance, evaluating acid-base status, monitoring kidney function, evaluating fluid and electrolyte disorders, and monitoring response to therapy. By measuring chloride levels, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose and manage various conditions affecting electrolyte balance and guide appropriate treatment strategies to maintain optimal health and well-being.