The cl blood test is a test that measures the chloride levels in our blood where cl refers to chloride.
Chloride is an important electrolyte in our blood which performs many crucial functions in our body. Chloride helps to maintain the proper volume and pressure of our blood and also the optimum pH of our body fluids. It also helps to balance the amount of fluid inside and outside our cells. Tests for potassium, bicarbonate and sodium are also usually done at the same time as a cl blood test for chloride.
The chloride in our body usually comes from the salt we eat (sodium chloride). This is absorbed by our intestines while digesting food. The excess chloride is eliminated from our body mainly by urine and sometimes by sweat.
Sometimes, urine or skin tests are also done to check for chloride levels.
Your doctor may usually ask you to get a cl blood test done when you have the following symptoms:
- If you have symptoms like weakness, confusion, breathing problems, twitching and muscle spasms.
- To determine if you have adrenal gland or kidney problems.
- If you have a high blood pH. This is usually caused by a condition called metabolic alkalosis, which happens when the body loses acids and electrolytes through prolonged diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes, metabolic alkalosis could be caused by eating too much sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or by losing too much sodium.
Blood will be drawn from a vein located on the inside of your elbow, after cleaning the site properly with an antiseptic or alcohol. You might feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted and a slight throbbing and bruise for a few days after the test. The blood will be collected in a clean vial or tube and sent to the lab for testing.
While there is usually no risk associated with the cl blood test, it would be better to talk to your doctor before the test, in case you have certain allergies or if you are pregnant. You may be asked to stop certain medications especially blood thinners for a day or two before the test.
Certain conditions of your body and diet may affect the test or give a false picture.
If you are dehydrated due to conditions like excess vomiting or diarrhea, your chloride levels will be much higher than normal. On the other hand, you may be over hydrated if you are taking diuretics such as water pills, blood pressure medicines, hormonal supplements (estrogen or androgen), or certain non - steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.
Submitted by M T on May 13, 2010 at 12:33