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What is a chloride (CI) blood test?
A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and the pH of your body fluids. Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat.
Why is a chloride (Cl) blood test done in children?
A test for chloride may be done to:
- Check on your child's chloride level. This might be done if your child has symptoms such as muscle twitching or spasms, breathing problems, weakness, or confusion. It might also be done if your child is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is dehydrated.
- Find out if your child has kidney or adrenal gland problems.
How is a chloride (Cl) blood test done?
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How do you prepare for a chloride (CI) blood test?
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
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