Chloride

Test Code

330

CPT Codes
82435

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: sodium or lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Anticoagulants other than heparin

Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day

Limitations

Patients recently exposed to bromide may have elevated results.

Reference Range

98-110 mmol/L

Clinical Significance

Serum chloride is the major extracellular anion and counter-balances the major cation, sodium, maintaining electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Two thirds of the total anion concentration in extracellular fluids is chloride and it is significantly involved in maintaining proper hydration and osmotic pressure. Movement of chloride ions across the red blood cell membrane is essential for the transport of biocarbonate ions in response to changing concentrations of carbon dioxide. Chloride measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.