Serum chloride

Alternative names:

chloride - serum

Normal values:

The normal range is 96 to 106 mEq/L.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter

What abnormal results mean:

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

• chronic hyperventilation
• Cushing's syndrome
• dehydration
• eclampsia
• excess infusion of normal saline
• kidney dysfunction
• metabolic acidosis
• renal tubular acidosis

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

• Addison's disease
• burns
• chronic respiratory acidosis (chronic hypoventilation)
• congestive heart failure
• excessive sweating
• gastric suction
• over hydration
• salt-losing nephritis
• syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
• vomiting

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
• primary hyperparathyroidism