Chloride Blood Test

The Chloride Blood Test is used to measure the amount of chloride in your blood. Chloride is an electrolyte that helps regulate the body’s acid-base balance. The test can help detect conditions such as dehydration, kidney disease, and metabolic acidosis.

Preparation

No specific preparations are necessary for a chloride blood test. Your healthcare provider may advise you to fast for a few hours before the test if you are having other blood tests done. Be sure to let your provider know if you have any allergies or use any medications.

Procedure

A blood sample will be taken from a vein, usually on the back of your hand or arm. The area will be cleaned with an antiseptic pad and a tourniquet will be placed around your upper arm. The healthcare professional will insert a needle into the vein and draw a small amount of blood. They will then send the sample to the lab for analysis.

Types

The two common types of Chloride Blood Tests are:

Serum Chloride Test -measures the amount of chloride in your blood serum.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test -measures the amount of chloride in your arterial blood, which is blood flowing from your heart.

Why the Test is Performed

Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor a condition such as dehydration, or to check for signs of an electrolyte imbalance.

When the Test is Performed

The Chloride Blood Test is usually performed during a routine physical exam or as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel. It can be done at any time of the day.

Risks

The risks associated with a Chloride Blood Test are minimal. The most common risk is bruising or discomfort at the site where the blood was drawn. There may be some lightheadedness after the procedure.