What it means
The main negative ion in the fluid outside the cells. It usually moves with sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry , so it rises and falls in the same conditions, and it helps keep the blood's acid-base balance and makes stomach acid. It is part of a basic metabolic panel. Long vomiting or nasogastric suction can lower it; dehydration and large amounts of normal saline can raise it.
At a glance
| Normal range | 98–106 mEq/L [98–106 mmol/L]. Each lab sets its own reference range. |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | Cl, Cl− |
| Spanish | cloruro |
| Also written | Cl, chloride level, chloride levels, serum chloride |
Related terms
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
alkalosis
A state in which the blood is less acidic than normal, with a blood pH above 7.45.