Hair Cadmium Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, in your hair. It helps assess long-term exposure to this substance, which can affect your health over time.
["This test helps track exposure to cadmium, a metal linked to potential health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5610-1
- Short code
- CDHAIR
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Hair-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Hair specimen collection envelope or sterile plastic bag with chain-of-custody documentation
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.5
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 3 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 83018
- SNOMED
- 395146005
- Specimen volume
- 100-200 mg of hair (approximately 1-2 inches of proximal scalp hair)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature (15-30°C) for 30 days; indefinitely stable if stored dry and protected from light in a sealed container at room temperature
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heavy metal exposure, such as chronic fatigue, kidney issues, or neurological concerns. It’s also used in occupational health settings to monitor workers exposed to cadmium in their jobs, like those in mining or manufacturing.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll provide a small sample of your hair, usually from the scalp or roots. The hair is analyzed to detect cadmium levels, which can reflect your body’s cumulative exposure over months or years.
What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
Hair cadmium levels don’t provide immediate health risks like blood tests do, but they can indicate long-term exposure. High levels may suggest past or ongoing exposure, while low levels typically mean minimal exposure. Results are compared to reference ranges for healthy individuals.
What Are the Limits of This Test?
This test measures cadmium in hair but doesn’t show recent exposure. It’s less precise than blood tests for acute exposure and may not detect very low levels reliably. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
Reference range varies by laboratory; generally, hair cadmium levels <0.5 µg/g are considered normal in non-occupationally exposed individuals. Values 0.5-1.0 µg/g may indicate low-level environmental exposure, while values >1.0 µg/g suggest significant exposure. Occupational exposure limits may be higher.N/A
No special patient preparation required. However, patients should avoid the use of cadmium-containing hair products, dyes, or treatments for at least 2 weeks prior to sample collection, as these may contaminate results. Shampoo the hair 24 hours before collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cadmium Exposure and Health Risks
Short name
Cadmium in Hair
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What if my test results are abnormal?
Can I 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy