Chloride Blood Test

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KEY POINTS

• The chloride blood test measures a chemical called chloride in your child’s body. It can help diagnose problems with the kidneys, adrenal glands, digestive system, muscles, and nerves, or to check how well treatment is working.
• A small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your child’s arm with a needle and sent to a lab.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about what the test results mean and ask any questions you have.

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What is the chloride blood test?

This test measures the amount of chloride in your child’s blood. Chloride is one of several chemicals in the blood called electrolytes. Electrolytes help control the amount of fluid in your child’s body and the way the muscles, nerves, and organs work. Your child needs the right balance of chloride and other electrolytes in the body to stay healthy. The balance of electrolytes in the body can be affected by food, medicines, drinking too much or too little water, or problems with your child’s lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

Salt is often the main source of chloride in food and drinks.

Why is this test done?

The chloride level is usually measured along with several other electrolytes to help your healthcare provider diagnose certain diseases or conditions. The test can be helpful for checking problems with the kidneys, adrenal glands, digestive system, muscles, and nerves.

This test may also be done to see how well treatment for a disease or condition is working.

How do I prepare my child for this test?

• Your child may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Tell your child's healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements your child takes. Ask your provider before stopping any of your child’s regular medicines.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the test.

How is the test done?

A small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your child’s arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.

Ask your child’s healthcare provider how and when you will get your child’s test results.

What does the test result mean?

Some of the reasons your child’s blood level of chloride may be higher than normal are:

• Your child has a lot of salt in his or her meal plan.
• Your child has not been drinking enough liquids to replace body fluid lost through blood loss, sweat, or urine.
• Your child has kidney disease.
• Your child is taking medicines that increase the chloride level.

Some of the reasons your child’s blood level of chloride may be lower than normal are:

• Your child has been vomiting or has had diarrhea for a long time.
• Your child is taking medicines that lower the chloride level.
• Your child has a health condition called Addison’s disease.

What if my child’s test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your child’s medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about the result and ask questions such as:

• If your child needs more tests
• What kind of treatment your child might need
• What lifestyle, diet, or other changes your child might need to make