Chemistry / Electrolytes
ChlorideCl⁻
Major extracellular anion; key to acid-base diagnosis via the anion gap.
Sample
Serum
Clinical reference range
98 to 107 mmol/L
Adult
Conv: 98–107 mmol/L
Biology
What it measures
Tracks sodium under most conditions. Discordance points to acid-base disturbance.
Clinical use
Why we order it
Compute anion gap; diagnose hyperchloremic (NAGMA) vs high-AG metabolic acidosis.
Lens · Clinical
Interpretation by lens
Clinical interpretation
Anion gap = Na − (Cl + HCO₃). Normal 8–12 mmol/L (varies by lab).
Differential
Causes of abnormal values
Causes of HIGH
- ↑Saline-induced acidosis
- ↑Diarrhea (loss of bicarb)
- ↑RTA
Causes of LOW
- ↓Vomiting (loss of HCl)
- ↓Diuretics
- ↓SIADH
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