What is it?

Chlorine is a mineral that is one of the electrolytes in the body. It has a role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body and levels of chlorine are closely linked to levels of sodium as the main source of both is salt (sodium chloride).

Chlorine is contained in all body secretions and is also a key component of stomach acid (which is hydrochloric acid).

Reference ranges

If your indicative chlorine concentration is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

Having a low concentration of chlorine does not necessarily mean that you have a condition, it can be down to environmental factors, but generally low levels of chloride may be a sign of a heart condition or hormonal issue with the adrenal gland, where not enough hormones are produced.

You can discuss this result with your GP.

If your indicative chlorine concentration is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

High levels of chloride may be a sign dehydration, i.e. you have not drunk enough fluids before the test. It can also imply more serious issues such as kidney malfunction or having too much acid in the blood.

You can discuss this result with your GP.