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Evidence to Improve Care

Chloride Testing


Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations

  • The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that chloride be removed from the Ontario laboratory requisition form.

Read the full OHTAC Recommendation report



Chloride is an electrolyte (a salt) that can be measured in the blood. Chloride levels are often tested, along with other electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium. The number of chloride tests performed in Ontario community laboratories rose from about 3 million in 2005/06 to about 4 million in 2011/12.


Health Quality Ontario Reviews Chloride Testing

Health Quality Ontario talked to experts to find out whether chloride testing in community-based laboratories is helpful.


Chloride Testing in Community-Based Laboratories: An Expert Consultation (PDF)
June 2013


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The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has provided the following response: The chloride test was removed from the Ontario Laboratory Requisition form in January 2013.



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