Chloride - 24hr

About

Chloride is an electrolyte in the blood which helps to regulate the pH of the blood (how acidic or alkaline it is). When combined with sodium it produces salt and consequently, sodium affects the levels of chlorine in the body, and vice versa.

What might a low result mean?

Low levels of chloride can occur due to prolonged periods of vomiting, diarrhoea or sweating, where the body gets rid of too much chloride, and also sodium. Additionally, low levels of chloride occur when the body goes into an acidic state. This can happen in metabolic alkalosis, when the body fails to excrete enough alkaline substances, and in respiratory acidosis, which happens when the lungs struggle to remove sufficient carbon dioxide from the body.

What might a high result mean?

Elevated levels of chloride can have a range of different causes, however the main reason is dehydration. Additionally, factors causing the body to go into an alkaline state can also cause chloride levels to increase. Factors causing this include metabolic acidosis, when the body struggles to get rid of sufficient acid, and respiratory alkalosis, when hyperventilation releases too much carbon dioxide into the air.