Above the range
Common causes of a high Chloride (Cl⁻)
- Dehydration
- Metabolic acidosis (non-gap)
- Excess normal saline
- Renal tubular acidosis
Looking for the other direction? See what causes a low Chloride (Cl⁻).
All tests · Electrolytes & Minerals · Chloride (Cl⁻)
Above the range
What causes a high Chloride (Cl⁻)?
Normal range 98-106 mEq/L (98-106 mmol/L SI). Specimen: Serum or plasma. See the full Chloride (Cl⁻) reference page for critical values and nursing considerations.
What is the normal range for Chloride (Cl⁻)?
The standard teaching reference range for Chloride (Cl⁻) is 98-106 mEq/L in conventional units, or 98-106 mmol/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum or plasma.
| Specimen | Serum or plasma |
|---|---|
| Conventional range | 98-106 mEq/L |
| SI range | 98-106 mmol/L |
| Critical value | < 80 or > 115 mmol/L |
| Panel | Electrolytes & Minerals |
Full details, including nursing considerations, on the Chloride (Cl⁻) normal range page. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.
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