Chloride

Test Code

38445

CPT Codes
82435<br>Limited Access Code

Preferred Specimen

1 mL plasma collected in a plasma separator tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge plasma specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer plasma to a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial(s), and ship at room temperature.

Transport Container

Sterile, plastic screw-capped vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

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

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

Unspun plasma separator tube; Unspun green-top tube (heparinized plasma not separated from cells); Anticoagulants other than lithium heparin, sodium heparin or fluoride/oxalate; Red top-tube (no gel); Anticoagulants other than heparin

Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 1-2 days

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 bicarbonate 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.