Cadmium concentration in whole blood
This test measures the amount of cadmium in a sample of whole blood. It can help assess recent or ongoing exposure to cadmium, particularly from workplace or environmental sources.
["An elevated result may indicate exposure to cadmium and should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your symptoms, history, and other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15117-5
- Short code
- CDBL
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Bld-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Royal blue-top (EDTA) trace element blood collection tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 35
- Critical range
- — – 90 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 271324002
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 30 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 year. Mix tube gently before aliquoting.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What this test measures
Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal that can enter the body through breathing, drinking, or eating. This test measures cadmium in whole blood rather than in a urine sample.
Why it may be ordered
A clinician may order this test after possible exposure to cadmium, such as in battery, metal smelting, welding, or manufacturing work. It may also be used when symptoms raise concern about metal exposure.
How the test is performed
A blood sample is collected through a needle in a vein. The specimen is then analyzed in a laboratory, and the result is reported as a cadmium concentration.
Factors that may affect the result
Recent exposure, smoking, diet, kidney function, and laboratory measurement methods can influence blood cadmium levels. Test results should therefore be interpreted alongside occupational and environmental history.
Reference range
Reference values for blood cadmium in non-smoking adults are typically < 5.0 nmol/L (< 0.5 µg/L). Smokers may have elevated baseline levels up to 20-35 nmol/L due to tobacco exposure. Occupational exposure limits: OSHA PEL 5 µg/L (44.5 nmol/L); ACGIH Biological Exposure Index 5 µg/L.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should refrain from consuming shellfish or other cadmium-rich foods for 48 hours prior to collection if monitoring for occupational exposure. Avoid collection immediately after smoking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Blood cadmium can provide information about cadmium exposure, but it does not by itself identify the source of exposure or establish that a specific illness is present. Abnormal results may lead to further evaluation, including review of symptoms, exposure history, kidney function tests, and other appropriate studies.
Short name
Whole-blood cadmium level
Frequently asked questions
Does a high result mean cadmium poisoning?
How long does cadmium remain detectable in blood?
Do I need to prepare for 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy