Why is this procedure done?
Chloride is an electrolyte. It helps your body keep the right balance of fluids and acid-base level. This test is done to check how much chloride is in your blood. Doctors can also check how much chloride is in your urine. These tests will let the doctor know if you have a chloride imbalance. ‚
The doctor may order a blood or urine chloride test to: ‚
- Check for an electrolyte imbalance after you have loose stools or throwing up for a long time
- Look at the bodys fluid levels during chronic diseases like emphysema or congestive heart failure
- Check acid-base balance
- Learn more about problems with your endocrine glands or kidneys
- Go along with other electrolyte tests during a routine physical
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal supplements. Some drugs like water pills or antacids may affect your chloride test results.
- Any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
Blood test: ‚
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing.
Urine test: ‚
- May be tested on a random sample.
- Your doctor will give you a clean plastic cup. You will use this to catch your urine.
- Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.
- Do not touch the inside of the lid.
- Let your urine pass a little, then catch some urine midstream using the plastic cup. Make sure your cup is at least 1/3 full of urine.
- Give the urine to your doctor.
- May need to have a small rubber tube put into your bladder to help get some urine if you are not able to give a specimen.
- May be taken on a 24-hour urine sample. Talk with your doctor about how to collect this kind of urine sample.
- The urine will be sent to a lab for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the blood test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your chloride levels. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/chloride/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚