24-Hour Urine Cadmium Concentration
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, in your urine over a full day. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like industrial pollutants or certain foods.
["Assessing long-term cadmium exposure through urine helps identify potential health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34254-3
- Short code
- UCD24
- Synonyms
- Cadmium 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Trace element-free polyethylene urine container, acid-washed
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 390863005
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL aliquot from a well-mixed 24-hour urine collection
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 30 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 year. Acidify with nitric acid to pH <2 for long-term storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heavy metal poisoning (e.g., nausea, fatigue), work in an environment with cadmium exposure, or have been exposed to industrial pollutants. It’s also used in research or monitoring for occupational health.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all your urine over 24 hours, starting and ending at the same time each day. Store the samples in a cool place and bring the entire collection to the lab. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you to ensure accurate results.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as the total cadmium concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Higher levels may indicate recent or chronic exposure to cadmium, which can affect kidney function or other organs over time.
Common Causes of Elevated Levels
Elevated cadmium levels in urine can result from occupational exposure (e.g., mining, welding), smoking, or consuming certain foods like shellfish or nuts. Chronic exposure may also occur from contaminated water or soil.
Reference range
Reference range not established; results should be interpreted in context of occupational/environmental exposure. Typically <1.0 µg/g creatinine for non-occupationally exposed individuals.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid seafood and excessive zinc supplements for 48 hours prior to collection as these may influence cadmium absorption. Normal hydration is recommended.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Cadmium Urine Test (24-hour)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I drink water during the 24-hour urine collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy