Cadmium Urine Excretion (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures how much cadmium, a heavy metal, is excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium can build up in the body over time and may affect organs like the kidneys and lungs.
["A 24-hour urine test for cadmium helps check for exposure to this harmful metal."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111394-3
- Short code
- CdU
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Acid-washed metal-free plastic urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 271258006
- Specimen volume
- 20 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 30 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 year. Avoid acid addition if not specified by the testing laboratory.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, or kidney problems, or if you work in an environment where you might be exposed to cadmium (e.g., mining, manufacturing). It can also be used to monitor people who have already been exposed to cadmium or those with certain health conditions linked to metal buildup.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24 hours, starting from one point in time (usually midnight or noon) and ending at the same time the next day. Collect each urine sample in a clean container and keep it refrigerated until you return it to the lab. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting your urine sample. The lab will analyze the collected urine to measure cadmium levels.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels of cadmium in urine may indicate exposure to this metal, which can be harmful to your health. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and may recommend further testing or steps to reduce exposure.
Reference range
Non-smokers: <0.5 µg/g creatinine; Smokers: <1.0 µg/g creatinine. Results are typically reported as µg/L or µg/g creatinine depending on the reporting laboratory.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection as it may transiently elevate cadmium levels. Avoid occupational exposure documentation if recently exposed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal reference ranges for this test?
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
Can I drink water during the 24-hour urine collection period?
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