Chloride is measured in which specimens?

Chloride is measured in which specimens?

• A. Serum only
• B. Serum, urine, and sweat
• C. Serum and plasma only
• D. Urine only

Answer: (B)

Chloride measurement is useful across different body fluids because it reflects extracellular fluid composition and renal handling, and it has a specific diagnostic purpose in sweat testing for cystic fibrosis. Serum chloride is part of standard electrolyte panels to assess acid–base balance and hydration. Urine chloride helps evaluate how the kidneys excrete chloride, which can inform disorders of salt handling and adrenal function. Sweat chloride testing is a key diagnostic tool for cystic fibrosis, where higher levels indicate CFTR dysfunction. Because chloride can be measured in all of these specimens and each fluid provides different clinical information, the best answer includes serum, urine, and sweat.

Chloride measurement is useful across different body fluids because it reflects extracellular fluid composition and renal handling, and it has a specific diagnostic purpose in sweat testing for cystic fibrosis. Serum chloride is part of standard electrolyte panels to assess acid–base balance and hydration. Urine chloride helps evaluate how the kidneys excrete chloride, which can inform disorders of salt handling and adrenal function. Sweat chloride testing is a key diagnostic tool for cystic fibrosis, where higher levels indicate CFTR dysfunction. Because chloride can be measured in all of these specimens and each fluid provides different clinical information, the best answer includes serum, urine, and sweat.