HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Chloride (Cl)
Why It Is Done
A test for chloride may be done to:
- Check your chloride level if you are having symptoms such as muscle twitching or spasms, breathing problems, weakness, or confusion.
- Find out whether you have Reference kidney Opens New Window or Reference adrenal gland Opens New Window problems.
- Help find the cause for high blood pH. A condition called metabolic alkalosis can be caused by a loss of acid from your body (for example, from a loss of electrolytes through prolonged vomiting or diarrhea). You may also have metabolic alkalosis if your body loses too much sodium or you eat too much baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 26, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine |
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