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.
["Cadmium levels in urine help identify potential exposure to this harmful metal."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51193-1
- Short code
- CDBL
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Fld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Royal blue-top (trace element) EDTA tube or trace element-free evacuated tube; alternatively, heparinized trace element-free tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 16674006
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of whole blood or 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, or if you’ve been exposed to industrial chemicals, smoking, or certain foods known to contain cadmium. It’s also used in occupational health settings to monitor workers in high-risk environments.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period (typically from one morning to the next morning) in a special container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out cadmium naturally. Avoid certain medications or supplements that might affect results unless instructed otherwise.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels may indicate recent exposure to cadmium, which can harm organs like the kidneys and lungs over time. Very low levels are usually normal, but elevated results prompt further evaluation to determine the cause.
How Results Are Interpreted
Your results are compared to a reference range developed for healthy individuals. Since cadmium is toxic, even slightly elevated levels may signal a need for lifestyle changes or medical follow-up, especially if you work in a high-risk occupation or have pre-existing health conditions.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <1.0 µg/L; Smokers may show slightly elevated levels (up to 1.5 µg/L). Reference values may vary by laboratory and population.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid seafood and shellfish consumption for 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection, as these may transiently elevate heavy metal levels. Inform clinician of any occupational exposure history or smoking status.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cadmium Exposure Risks
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated cadmium levels in urine?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect 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