Cerebrospinal Fluid Cadmium Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord). Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like industrial processes or contaminated food/water.
["Cadmium in CSF may signal potential exposure or toxicity requiring further medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9686-7
- Short code
- Cd-CSF
- Synonyms
- Cadmium CSF-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Trace element-free, metal-free polyethylene or polypropylene collection tube; certified cadmium-free container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 395147003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of cerebrospinal fluid
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had symptoms like headaches, nausea, or neurological concerns—especially if you’ve been exposed to cadmium or have conditions like heavy metal poisoning. It’s also used in cases of suspected chronic exposure or to monitor treatment for conditions linked to metal accumulation.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not typically provided as a single reference range since cadmium levels in CSF vary by exposure history and health status. Elevated levels may indicate toxicity or abnormal metal accumulation, prompting further testing or medical review.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The fluid is then analyzed in a lab using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure cadmium concentration.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
High cadmium levels in CSF can result from acute or chronic exposure to cadmium (e.g., occupational hazards, smoking, or contaminated diet). Chronic conditions like renal failure or certain genetic disorders may also play a role.
Reference range
Typically less than 0.5 ug/L in unexposed individuals; reference values may vary by laboratoryN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid contamination by ensuring collection tubes and supplies are metal-free.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CSF Cadmium Level
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test ordered?
What symptoms might lead to this test?
Is this test painful?
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