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 or certain industrial processes.
["Cadmium in urine helps assess long-term exposure and potential kidney or lung damage."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104839-6
- Short code
- CDIGE
- Synonyms
- Cadmium IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) for detection of IgE antibodies against cadmium
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 409084004
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like chronic kidney disease, lung issues, or if you’ve been exposed to cadmium in your workplace, hobbies, or living environment. It’s also used in occupational health evaluations or when monitoring certain medical conditions.
How the Test Works
A 24-hour urine collection is required to gather enough sample to accurately measure cadmium levels. You’ll collect all urine produced during this time, typically stored in a special container, and return it to the lab on the same day.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you should avoid certain medications (like some diuretics) or supplements that might affect results. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney disease, let your provider know before collecting urine.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll follow instructions to collect urine over 24 hours, usually starting after a full bladder in the morning. Store the urine in a cool, dark place until you return it to the lab.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35–0.70 kU/L; Positive: >0.70 kU/L. Presence of IgE antibodies indicates sensitization to cadmium.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform clinician of all current medications, including antihistamines (which generally do not affect IgE antibody testing, unlike skin prick tests). Avoid recent heavy metal exposure or chelation therapy if clinically feasible, as this may affect antigen availability.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
High levels of cadmium in urine may indicate chronic exposure or toxicity, which can damage organs like the kidneys or lungs. It’s important for monitoring occupational hazards or evaluating symptoms of metal poisoning.
A high result suggests possible exposure to cadmium, which could lead to health problems over time. A low result doesn’t necessarily mean no exposure—it may just indicate your body is processing cadmium well. Always discuss results with your provider.
Your provider will determine how often you need this test based on your exposure history, symptoms, or medical condition. Regular monitoring may be recommended if you work in industries with cadmium risks.
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy