What is the reference range for Chloride, Serum?

The standard reference range for Chloride, Serum is 98–107 mEq/L (98–107 mmol/L) # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Quest Diagnostics reference range for serum chloride.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Chloride, Serum?

Chloride, Serum is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).

Biomarker Reference · Cl⁻

What does the Chloride, Serum test measure?

Chloride, Serum (Cl⁻) is a clinical biomarker used in metabolic-diabetes assessment. Chloride is the major extracellular anion, passively following sodium to maintain electroneutrality. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: 98–107 mEq/L (98–107 mmol/L) # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Quest Diagnostics reference range for serum chloride.
Units: mEq/L, mmol/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Metabolic

Functional medicine optimal100–105 mEq/L (mid-reference range optimal consistent with normal acid-base balance). # REVIEWER FLAG: Not standardised as a clinical target — reviewer to confirm framing.

What is Chloride, Serum?

Chloride is the major extracellular anion, passively following sodium to maintain electroneutrality. It is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal nephron alongside sodium. Chloride homeostasis is inextricably linked to sodium and bicarbonate balance — as bicarbonate rises (metabolic alkalosis), chloride falls to maintain electroneutrality, and vice versa.

Why is Chloride, Serum measured?

Within the CMP, chloride is most clinically informative through its contribution to the anion gap calculation — AG = Na⁺ − (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻) — which identifies anion gap metabolic acidosis from lactate, ketones, uraemia, salicylates, or toxic alcohols when the AG exceeds 12 mEq/L. Hyperchloraemia with normal sodium suggests non-anion gap (hyperchloraemic) metabolic acidosis from renal tubular acidosis or gastrointestinal bicarbonate losses. Hypochloraemia alongside low sodium and high bicarbonate is consistent with metabolic alkalosis from vomiting, diuretics, or nasogastric suction.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: 98–107 mEq/L (98–107 mmol/L) # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Quest Diagnostics reference range for serum chloride.
Functional medicine optimal: 100–105 mEq/L (mid-reference range optimal consistent with normal acid-base balance). # REVIEWER FLAG: Not standardised as a clinical target — reviewer to confirm framing.
Units: mEq/L, mmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Chloride, Serum

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-MET-003Comprehensive

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Chloride, Serum reference range in this test: 98–107 mEq/L (98–107 mmol/L) # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Quest Diagnostics reference range for serum chloride.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Glucose, Serum (Fasting)Glu1 test Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)BUN1 test Creatinine, SerumCr1 test Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)eGFR1 test Sodium, SerumNa⁺1 test Potassium, SerumK⁺1 test Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate), SerumCO₂ / HCO₃⁻1 test Calcium, Serum (Total)Ca²⁺1 test

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