Chloride, Serum
Use
Chloride is the major anion in the extracellular water space and is essential in maintaining proper body water distribution, osmotic pressure, and anion-cation balance in the extracellular fluid compartment. Evaluation of chloride levels helps assess water, electrolyte, and acid-base status, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions such as dehydration, renal tubular acidosis, acute renal failure, diabetes insipidus, and other disorders involving electrolyte imbalances.
Special Instructions
Patient's age and sex are required for testing. When ordering, ensure that either serum gel or red-top tubes are used, and processed within 2 hours of collection.
Limitations
Elevated serum values of other halide ions may affect the accuracy of the chloride ion-selective electrode, potentially leading to false high readings. Specimen handling and processing must be accurate to avoid such discrepancies in test results.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Electrolyte)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2075-0
- 2075-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |