Chloride (Cl)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• The amount of water in your body. If you are dehydrated, your chloride level is increased and if you are overhydrated, your chloride level is decreased.
• Some medicines, such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), estrogens, male hormones (androgens), some blood pressure medicines, cholestyramine (such as Questran), and some "water pills" (diuretics).
• Failing to collect exactly 24 hours of urine during a 24-hour urine test for chloride.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
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