Chloride

Colorimetric end-point assay.

Product description:

Chloride is the principle anion of the body, as sodium is the principal cation; and with sodium, therefore, is largely responsible for the preservation of the osmotic pressure in the extra cellular fluid and water balance of the body. Its concentration is similar to that of sodium and is influenced by the same factors. Determination of plasma chloride concentration is useful in the differential diagnoses of acid-base disturbances and is essential for calculation of the anion gap. Measurement in urine is of clinical value with patients with persistent metabolic alkalosis who are not receiving diuretics. Hypochloraemia is observed in individuals with salt-losing nephritis coupled with hyponatraemia and in cases such as bromide intoxication, SIADH (Syndrome of In appropriate Anti Diuretic Hormone) expansion of extracellular fluid, metabolic alkalosis or persistent gastric secretion and prolonged vomiting. Hypochloraemia accompanies dehydration, RTA (Renal Tubular Acidosis), acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis, diabetes insipidus, and extremely high intake of salt.

Changes in chloride independent of sodium usually occur with changes in acid-base status. The concentration of chloride is usually parallels that of sodium and is related to bicarbonate. Chloride levels can be corrected for changes in serum sodium to determine whether or not the change is independent of sodium. If the change in Chloride is parallel to a change in sodium, the chloride will correct. If the change is independent, the corrected value will remain decreased or elevated. A common cause of independent chloride change is gastrointestinal disease. Chloride is regulated by the kidneys; it is filtered out by the glomeruli and is reabsorbed in the tubules, where it follows water and sodium.

Normal: If chloride is shifting proportionally with sodium (sodium concentration minus chloride concentration should be between 25)