What is Chloride Blood Test
A chloride blood test determines how much chloride is present in the blood. Electrolytes include chloride. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that assist in managing the quantity of fluid in your body and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance). Chloride is frequently evaluated in conjunction with other electrolytes to diagnose or monitor illnesses such as kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, and hypertension.
Other names: Other names of this are CI, Serum chloride
What is Chloride Blood Test used for?
A chloride test is often administered as part of a normal blood screening to assess your overall health. It is also used to aid in diagnosing illnesses caused by an imbalance of acids or fluids in your body.
What is the need of a chloride blood test?
A chloride blood test may have been ordered by your doctor as part of an electrolyte panel, which is a regular blood test. An electrolyte panel is a test that determines the concentration of chloride and other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate. A chloride blood test may also be required if you have signs of an acid or fluid imbalance, such as:
- Vomiting over a long period of time
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Trouble breathing
What happens during a chloride blood test?
A medical professional will draw blood from a vein of the arm using a small needle. After the needle has been inserted, a little amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. When the needle goes in or out, patients can experience a minor sting. Usually, this takes five minutes.
How should I prepare for the exam?
A chloride blood test or an electrolyte panel requires no extra preparation. If your doctor has ordered further blood tests, you may be required to fast (not eat or drink) for some hours before the test. If there are any particular instructions to follow, your provider will notify you.
Is there any risk in the test?
Having a blood test poses relatively no risk or danger. One may experience discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but mostly it will go soon.
What do the findings imply?
Several causes of chloride levels may be higher than usual.
High amounts of chlorine may indicate:
- Dehydration
- Kidney disease
- Metabolic acidosis, it is a condition in which your blood contains too much acid. It may make you feel nauseous, sick, and tired.
Low chloride levels include:
- Heart failure
- Liver illness
- Addison's disease is a disorder when the adrenal glands in your body don't produce enough of a few hormones. Many symptoms, such as weakness, lightheadedness, weight loss, and dehydration, might be caused by it.
- When your blood contains too much base, you have metabolic alkalosis. It may result in agitation, twitching of the muscles, and tingling in the fingers and toes.
It's not necessarily a sign that you require medical attention if your chloride levels are outside the usual range. Your chloride levels can be impacted by various factors, such as excessive hydration or fluid loss through vomiting or diarrhea.
In addition, certain medications, such as antacids, might produce unexpected outcomes. Speak with your provider to find out what your results signify.
Important information to know about a chloride blood test?
Urine includes some chloride as well. To learn more about your chloride levels, your clinician may also offer a urine chloride test.
