Definition
cCl–(P) is the concentration of chloride (Cl–) in plasma. The systematic symbol for arterial blood is cCl–(aP). The analyzer symbol may be Cl– or cCl–.
What does cCl– tell you
The chloride ion is the body's major anion in the extracellular fluid. The plasma level is about 100 mmol/L, representing the largest fraction of inorganic anions. Sodium and chloride together represent the majority of the osmotically active plasma components.
The kidney plays a major role in the body's handling of chloride. Chloride accompanies a large part of the sodium filtered by the glomerulus and is also active in the chloride-bicarbonate exhange.
Reference
cCl–(aP) reference range (adult): 98-106 mmol/L
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Clinical interpretation
cCl– itself as a single parameter is of minor importance in most settings. However, low values can cause muscle seizures, apathy, and anorexia. High values may cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.
Considerations
The major importance of cCl– is in relation to calculation of anion gap.
go to Anion Gap(K+)
