Chloride Blood Test Test
A chloride blood test measures the amount of chloride in your blood. Chloride is an electrolyte that helps control fluid levels and the acid-base balance in your body. This test is often part of a routine checkup or used to help diagnose or monitor conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, and high blood pressure.
What this test measures
A chloride blood test measures the amount of chloride in your blood. Chloride is a type of electrolyte that helps control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
High levels of chloride (hyperchloremia) may be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood).
Lower-than-normal results
Low levels of chloride (hypochloremia) may be a sign of heart failure, lung disease, Addison disease, or metabolic alkalosis (too much base in the blood).
Frequently asked questions
What is a chloride blood test?
It measures the amount of chloride in your blood. Chloride is an electrolyte that helps control fluid levels and acid-base balance.
Why is this test done?
It is often part of a routine checkup or used to help diagnose or monitor conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, and high blood pressure.
What do high chloride levels mean?
High levels may be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic acidosis.
What do low chloride levels mean?
Low levels may be a sign of heart failure, lung disease, Addison disease, or metabolic alkalosis.
What if my chloride levels are not normal?
It doesn't always mean you have a medical problem. Many things can affect chloride levels, such as drinking too much fluid, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medicines. Talk to your provider to learn what your results mean.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Chloride Blood Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.