Chloride test - blood
.What is Chloride Test- blood?
Chloride test-blood measures the amount of chloride in your blood. Chloride is an electrolyte which is an important part of the body’s acid-base balance. It also helps control the movement of fluids in and out of the cells.
Preparation for a Chloride Test-Blood
In general, there is no special preparation that is required prior to your chloride test. Your doctor may suggest that you fast for 8-12 hours in order to get an accurate reading. However, it is important that you follow all your doctor's instructions before undergoing a chloride test.
Procedure of a Chloride Test-Blood
A chloride test is typically done as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or a basic metabolic panel. It involves having a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in your arm and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Types of Chloride Test-Blood
- Serum chloride test: This test is used to measure the amount of chloride in your blood serum and is usually combined with an electrolyte test panel to provide a more complete assessment of electrolyte balance.
- Urinary chloride test: This test measures the chloride level in your urine. It is used to diagnose electrolyte and acid-base disorders.
Risks Associated with a Chloride Test-Blood
A chloride test involves having a small amount of blood drawn from your arm. As with any blood test, there is a slight risk of infection at the site of puncture and a very slight risk of experiencing a reaction to the needle or the antiseptic used to clean the puncture site.
Why is a Chloride Test-Blood Performed?
A chloride test is typically used to detect and diagnose conditions that affect the body’s acid-base balance. These conditions, known as metabolic alkalosis or metabolic acidosis, occur when the body has too much or too little chloride. The chloride test is also used to monitor treatments for these conditions, such as the administration of IV fluids or dialysis.
When is a Chloride Test-Blood Ordered?
A chloride test may be ordered at any time if your doctor suspects that you have an electrolyte imbalance. It may also be ordered routinely as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or a basic metabolic panel (BMP). Both CMPs and BMPs are used to assess your overall health and the function of your liver, kidneys, and pancreas, and to detect and diagnose metabolic disorders.