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Cadmium in Blood (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, present in your blood. Cadmium can enter the body through contaminated food, water, or tobacco smoke.

Quick summary

["Cadmium levels help assess exposure to this toxic metal and may indicate potential health risks."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5609-3
Short code
CDB
Synonyms
Cadmium Bld-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Royal blue-top (EDTA) trace element tube or sodium heparin trace element tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
5
Critical range
— – 15 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
CPT
82300
SNOMED
396991001
Specimen volume
3-5 mL whole blood
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 30 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 year. Mix well before analysis.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
100
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, such as nausea, weakness, or kidney problems, or if you’ve been exposed to cadmium sources like industrial environments, smoking, or contaminated food/water.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal cadmium levels may suggest recent exposure or long-term accumulation, which can affect organs like the kidneys or lungs. Results alone don’t diagnose a condition but may guide further testing or treatment.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Exposure to cadmium from smoking, industrial work, or contaminated food/water is the most common cause. Chronic low-level exposure can also occur over time.

Reference range

Non-smokers: <1.0 µg/L; Smokers: <5.0 µg/L; OSHA biological exposure index: <5.0 µg/LN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No fasting required. Patient should avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection. Avoid collection from sites where patient has been recently exposed to cadmium-containing materials.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Cadmium Blood Level

Frequently asked questions

What triggers this test?
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, occupational exposure history, or suspected environmental contamination.
How is cadmium measured in blood?
Using advanced laboratory techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or mass spectrometry to detect and quantify cadmium.
Can diet affect cadmium levels?
Yes, certain foods (e.g., shellfish, grains) or supplements may contain cadmium, but exposure from smoking or industrial sources is more common.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy