Description
Chloride - Serum chloride is the major extracellular anion and counter-balances the major cation, sodium, maintaining electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Two thirds of the total anion concentration in extracellular fluids is chloride and it is significantly involved in maintaining proper hydration and osmotic pressure. Movement of chloride ions across the red blood cell membrane is essential for the transport of bio-carbonate ions in response to changing concentrations of carbon dioxide.
Urine chloride excretion approximates the dietary intake. The chloride content of most foods parallels that of sodium. An increase in urine chloride may result from water deficient dehydration, diabetic acidosis, Addison`s Disease, and salt-losing renal disease. Decreased urine levels are seen in congestive heart failure, severe diaphoresis and in hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis due to prolonged vomiting. Those experiencing signs and symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance recommended for this test.
This test is usually ordered as part of a standard electrolyte panel or metabolic panel. Chloride measurements used in treatment or the diagnosis of metabolic and electrolyte disorders such as diabetic acidosis or cystic fibrosis.
