Total Chloride (Cl), Serum
The test determines the chloride level — one of the main blood electrolytes involved in maintaining water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. Used for diagnosing electrolyte metabolism disorders, kidney, liver, and GI tract diseases.
Mechanism of abnormalities: elevation or decrease in chloride concentration indicates water-electrolyte metabolism disorder, acid-base balance disorder, or kidney and liver function disorder.
Recommended for:
- people with chronic kidney or liver diseases
- with swelling or arterial hypertension
- for monitoring diuretic or other electrolyte-affecting medication therapy
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Submit fasting (8-12 hours without food)
- Do not drink water
- Avoid medications affecting water-electrolyte balance for 24 hours (with doctor's approval)
- Avoid intense physical exertion and stress
Medications: if taking diuretics or other electrolyte-affecting medications — inform the doctor
- Suspected water-electrolyte balance disorders
- Swelling, elevated blood pressure
- Acid-base balance disorders
- Chronic kidney, liver, or GI diseases
Normal — chloride level within reference values
Abnormality — requires physician assessment to determine the cause and prescribe correct treatment
Which doctor to consult:
For test abnormalities, consultation with a general practitioner or nephrologist is recommended. The doctor evaluates laboratory results, clarifies clinical symptoms, and if needed prescribes treatment or adjusts therapy.
Self-treatment is not recommended!
