Chloride
Serum chloride is tightly distributed across adulthood and typically moves in parallel with sodium, with small shifts reflecting acid-base and hydration status.
Unit: mmol/L · 12 slices · age and sex · 1 source
Filed under panels: Electrolyte Panel · topics: Metabolic , Renal , Electrolytes
Serum chloride is the main extracellular anion and is measured as part of the standard chemistry panel. It usually tracks sodium because both are handled by renal and volume-regulating mechanisms, though chloride also shifts with acid-base status and gastrointestinal or respiratory processes. These percentiles describe the full US adult population from NHANES 2017-March 2020 rather than a screened healthy subgroup.
Population Distribution
Browse by Demographic
| Age (years) | male (mmol/L) | female (mmol/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 97–104 (101) | 98–106 (102) |
| 30-39 | 97–105 (101) | 98–105 (102) |
| 40-49 | 96–105 (101) | 98–106 (102) |
| 50-59 | 96–106 (101) | 96–105 (101) |
| 60-69 | 96–105 (101) | 96–106 (101) |
| 70+ | 95–106 (101) | 95–106 (101) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does chloride usually track sodium?
Both are regulated largely by renal and volume-control mechanisms, so they tend to move together. The gap between them (and bicarbonate) is the basis for calculating the anion gap.
When does chloride diverge from sodium?
Acid-base disturbances, vomiting, diuretic use, and some kidney conditions can shift chloride independently of sodium, which is part of what makes the anion gap useful clinically.
Is dietary salt reflected here?
No. Like sodium, serum chloride concentration is held tightly by homeostasis, so it does not usually mirror dietary intake.