Chloride, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: CL
Use
Chloride is a major anion in the body that plays a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance as well as the osmolality of body fluids. An accurate assessment of serum chloride levels can aid in diagnosing conditions related to electrolyte imbalances such as dehydration, excess fluid loss, and kidney disorders. This test can also be useful for monitoring conditions such as hypertension, renal disease, and metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
Special Instructions
It is important to ensure serum or plasma is separated from cells within two hours of collection to prevent cellular metabolism from affecting chloride levels.
Limitations
The test for chloride levels can be affected by hemolysis and specimens containing sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate as anticoagulants, which are considered unacceptable conditions. Furthermore, this test is not performed on bodily fluids other than serum or plasma.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2075-0
- 2075-0
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Collect in a plasma separator tube or serum separator tube. Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate specimen after collection.
Causes for Rejection
Body fluid, urine, specimens containing sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate, hemolyzed specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 6 months |