Chloride

CL

2-8 C (ice packs)

store at 2-8 C up to 7 days, -20C up to 1 year

0.5 mL

Plasma (lithium heparin, sodium heparin)

98-107 mmol/L

Routine venipuncture

Draw tube or plastic pour off tube

Ion-selective electrode diluted (Indirect)

Decreased levels-prolonged vomiting, metabolic acidosis where there is an accumulation of organic anions, critical cases of Addison’s disease, and kidney disease resulting in loss of salt. Increase levels-metabolic acidosis associated with prolonged diarrhea and loss of sodium bicarb, renal tubular disease, certain cases of hyperthyroidism