Chloride

Test Code

CPT Codes
82435

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Instructions

This test is for Chloride on Plasma or Serum. For Chloride on Body Fluids other than CSF, order MISCL. For Chloride on CSF, order CSFCL. For Chloride on Urine, order URCL.

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 7 days; Refrigerated - 4 weeks

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

Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Potentiometric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

98 - 107 mmol/L

Clinical Significance

Chloride is the major anion in the extracellular water space; its physiological significance is in maintaining proper body water distribution, osmotic pressure, and normal anion-cation balance in the extracellular fluid compartment. Chloride is increased in dehydration, in renal tubular acidosis (hyperchloremia metabolic acidosis), and in excessive infusion of isotonic saline. Chloride is decreased in overhydration, chronic respiratory acidosis, salt-losing nephritis, metabolic alkalosis, and congestive heart failure.

This test is for Chloride on Plasma or Serum. For Chloride on Body Fluids other than CSF, order MISCL. For Chloride on CSF, order CSFCL. For Chloride on Urine, order URCL.

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.