All you need to know about testing Chloride levels with a laboratory test
Chloride (Cl) is an electrolyte which helps maintain the normal acid-base (pH) balance and levels of water in the body.
Chloride is eaten in the form of sodium chloride - salt - so it normally increases or decreases in direct relationship to sodium.
It is tested to assess if the body’s pH balance is correct.
By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Chloride for total reassurance.
Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.
The Vitall Kidney Function nurse or clinic test kit includes a Chloride test and is available for just £199.00.
Tests which include a Chloride test:
Hyperchloraemia is the term used for increased blood chloride levels. This is often linked with dehydration.
It can also occur alongside other problems that lead to high sodium levels, which is also taken into account. For example, use of diuretics (water tablets) that affect sodium levels can also change chloride levels. Long-term use of laxatives or high-dose antacids can also cause low blood chloride.
Other causes include loss of excessive alkaline fluid, which can lead to metabolic acidosis, or hyperventilation, which can lead to respiratory alkalosis.
Chloride is usually not raised on its own and is commonly interpreted in the context of other blood test results. An isolated elevation in chloride is often unlikely to be clinically significant.
A decreased blood chloride level often occurs alongside low blood sodium. A range of medicines and medical conditions can be linked to this pattern. Low chloride can also occur with prolonged vomiting or gastric suction, chronic diarrhoea, emphysema, or with loss of acid from the body (metabolic alkalosis). Prolonged vomiting or chronic diarrhoea may be associated with dietary habits, underlying gastrointestinal disease (such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease), or deliberate excessive use of laxatives for weight loss.
Low chloride levels do not usually occur on their own and are often not treated as significant when isolated. When seen with other blood test abnormalities, low chloride may be linked to the problems listed above and is often reviewed in that wider context.
Measure your Chloride levels and assess normal kidney function and your electolytes with a Kidney Function nurse or clinic centrifuged venous bloodtest kit
You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.
This Kidney Function Test is advised if you:
Chloride