Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

High Chloride: What Does It Mean?

High chloride can occur with dehydration, selected kidney problems or acid-base disturbances.

Test summary

Test name: Chloride
Abbreviations: Cl, Cl-
Category: Electrolytes / Acid-Base
Panel: Electrolyte Panel / Basic Metabolic Panel
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mEq/L, mmol/L

What does the test measure?

Measures blood chloride, one of the major negatively charged electrolytes.

Why is the test ordered?

Usually measured with sodium and bicarbonate/CO2 to assess fluid and acid-base balance.

Information about a low result

Low chloride can occur with vomiting, some diuretics, excess body water or metabolic/respiratory acid-base changes.

Information about a high result

High chloride can occur with dehydration, selected kidney problems or acid-base disturbances.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 96 – <= 106 mmol/L

Population: Adults
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example adult Chloride reference interval

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Chloride is rarely sufficient alone; sodium, bicarbonate/CO2, potassium and fluid status provide needed context.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Nephrology
Emergency Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Example adult intervals for ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, bilirubin, total protein, BUN, creatinine and electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Electrolyte Panel — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate as an electrolyte panel · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Sodium Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Sodium interpretation with fluid balance and other electrolytes · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Chloride Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Chloride interpretation with sodium and acid-base balance · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Blood — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Serum total CO2/bicarbonate and acid-base context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026