Cadmium in Urine, Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, present in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like contaminated air or water, or from certain foods and supplements.
["Urine cadmium testing helps identify potential exposure to harmful metals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51902-5
- Short code
- CDAIR
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Air-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Pre-calibrated air sampling cassette with mixed cellulose ester (MCE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filter (0.8 µm pore size)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- — – 0.01 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- Minimum air volume: 50-100 L at recommended flow rate of 1-4 L/min
- Stability
- Air samples on filters are stable for 30 days at room temperature (15-25°C); 6 months refrigerated (2-8°C). Seal cassettes properly to prevent contamination.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve been exposed to industrial chemicals, live near areas with known metal pollution, or have symptoms like kidney issues, nausea, or fatigue. It’s also used in occupational health settings to monitor workers at risk of metal poisoning.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period (typically from one morning to the next morning) in a clean container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out cadmium naturally.
What Happens During the Test
Your urine sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a specialized technique (likely high-performance liquid chromatography or a similar method) to measure cadmium levels accurately. Results are reported as mass concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L).
Interpreting Your Results
Results are compared to reference ranges specific to cadmium exposure and health status. Elevated levels may indicate recent or chronic exposure, but interpretation depends on clinical context, such as occupation or lifestyle.
Reference range
Not applicable for air measurements; results reported in mass per volume (e.g., µg/m³) of air sampled. Biological exposure indices (BEI) for cadmium in blood: <5 µg/L for non-smokers; urine cadmium <5 µg/g creatinine for occupational monitoring.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid cadmium-containing food sources (shellfish, organ meats) for 48 hours prior to collection if biological monitoring is being performed. Note occupational and environmental exposure history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cadmium is toxic and can damage kidneys, bones, and the cardiovascular system over time. High urine cadmium levels suggest exposure that may require medical evaluation, lifestyle changes, or environmental interventions to reduce further risk. Always discuss results with your provider.
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a high or low result mean?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
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