Fractional Excretion of Chloride: Clinical Guide

Overview

Calculates fractional excretion of chloride from paired urine and serum measurements.

Clinical Significance

Interpret with volume status, diuretic exposure and acid–base context.

When to Use

• Use as decision support when all required inputs are reliable.

How It Is Calculated

• FECl (%) = 100 × (UCl × SCr)/(SCl × UCr), using consistent creatinine units.

Interpretation

• Interpret with volume status, diuretic exposure and acid–base context.

Worked Example

Enter verified values in the displayed units; MedicalC applies the published equation or point system.

Limitations

• Prediction models may be miscalibrated outside their derivation population.
• Measurement and classification error can materially change the result.

Clinical Pearls

• Document source values and units with the result.
• Use trends and the full clinical picture.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong units.
• Using non-contemporaneous inputs.
• Treating the output as a diagnosis or mandatory treatment decision.

References

1. Standard renal clearance relationship. — Primary or supporting reference for the implemented model.