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 industrial pollution or from certain foods.
["This test helps assess potential exposure to cadmium, a metal linked to kidney damage and other health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104851-1
- Short code
- CDIGE
- Synonyms
- Cadmium IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (ImmunoCAP or equivalent fluorescent enzyme immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 395127008
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1 mL serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; stable for 1 month at -20°C; 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 kidney problems, chronic pain, or if you work in an industry where cadmium exposure is common. It may also be used to monitor long-term exposure in people with known risk factors.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight and ending just before midnight the next day. Collect samples in a clean container and store them in the refrigerator until you return them to the lab.
What to Expect During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting your urine sample. The lab will analyze the sample to measure cadmium levels.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels may indicate exposure to cadmium, which can affect kidney function and other organs. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
<0.35 kU/L (Negative); 0.35-0.70 kU/L (Borderline/Equivocal); 0.70-3.50 kU/L (Positive); >3.50 kU/L (Strongly Positive). Reference values may vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No fasting required. No special patient preparation is typically needed. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all current medications, as antihistamines do not typically interfere with specific IgE testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
What questions might you have about this test?
How often should I get this test?
Can I drink water before collecting my urine sample?
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