Serum chloride--a CAP survey.

The laboratory measurement of serum chlorides by participants in the 1978 CAP Chemistry Survey Programs are evaluated. The method-system most widely used was some form of an automated colorimetric system. Electrometric, mercurimetric, and ion-selective methods followed in that order. All methods provided clinically comparable data. Interlaboratory precision was best with the use of ion-selective electrodes and the widest with mercurimetric methods.