Cadmium Mass Concentration in Urine
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like industrial pollutants or smoking.
["This test helps assess long-term exposure to cadmium and its potential health effects."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21128-4
- Short code
- CDNAIL
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Nail-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Clean, metal-free specimen collection container or envelope for nail clippings
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 83018
- SNOMED
- 313303004
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 50-100 mg of nail clippings (approximately 10 nail clippings from fingers or toes)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature (15-25°C) for up to 30 days; stable at 2-8°C for extended storage; indefinitely stable at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 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 through work, smoking, or contaminated food/water. It’s also used in monitoring people with known cadmium poisoning or occupational hazards.
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 cadmium out of your body. Avoid certain medications or supplements that might interfere with results, as advised by your doctor.
What to Expect During the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting urine samples. The test involves sending your 24-hour urine sample to a lab for analysis. Results are usually ready within a few days.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate excessive cadmium exposure, which can damage organs over time. Very low levels are usually normal, but your doctor will interpret results based on your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
Reference range not established. Nail cadmium levels reflect long-term exposure (months to years) and are generally interpreted in context of occupational or environmental exposure history. Typical background levels in non-exposed populations are <1.0 ug/g.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should avoid nail polish, artificial nails, and topical nail treatments for at least 2 weeks prior to sample collection to prevent external contamination. Hands should be washed thoroughly prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cadmium Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high urine cadmium level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Does this test require fasting?
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