Chloride
Chloride is the most abundant extracellular anion, working closely with sodium to maintain fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and electrical neutrality. It is a key component of gastric acid (HCl) and plays a role in acid-base balance. Chloride generally moves in the same direction as sodium.
Why it matters: Chloride abnormalities usually accompany sodium or acid-base disturbances. Low chloride (hypochloremia) occurs with vomiting, metabolic alkalosis, and diuretic use. High chloride (hyperchloremia) occurs with dehydration and metabolic acidosis. The anion gap (Na - Cl - HCO3) uses chloride to differentiate causes of metabolic acidosis.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is Chloride?
Chloride is the most abundant extracellular anion, working closely with sodium to maintain fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and electrical neutrality. It is a key component of gastric acid (HCl) and plays a role in acid-base balance. Chloride generally moves in the same direction as sodium.
What might a high or low Chloride mean?
Chloride abnormalities usually accompany sodium or acid-base disturbances. Low chloride (hypochloremia) occurs with vomiting, metabolic alkalosis, and diuretic use. High chloride (hyperchloremia) occurs with dehydration and metabolic acidosis. The anion gap (Na - Cl - HCO3) uses chloride to differentiate causes of metabolic acidosis.
What is the typical reference range for Chloride?
The general-population reference range shown here is 98 – 107 mmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect Chloride?
It may be higher with: Dehydration, Metabolic acidosis (non-anion gap), Excessive normal saline infusion, Renal tubular acidosis, Diarrhea (bicarbonate loss), Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It may be lower with: Vomiting (HCl loss), Metabolic alkalosis, Diuretics, SIADH, Respiratory acidosis with compensation, Salt-losing nephropathy.