Serum chloride test

SERUM CHLORIDE TEST

DESCRIPTION – a chloride blood test measures the level of chloride in your blood. Chloride is one of the electrolyte in your blood. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid.

METHODOLOGY – quantitative ion selective electrode

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

COLLECT – plasma separator tube or serum separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow the specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 1 week; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 6 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – body fluid and urine and hemolyzed specimens

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory