: Cadmium [Mass concentration] in Red Blood Cells
: This test measures the amount of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in red blood cells. It is used to evaluate recent or ongoing exposure to cadmium.
[": A red blood cell cadmium test helps determine whether you have been exposed to harmful levels of cadmium."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12505-4
- Short code
- CDRBC
- Synonyms
- Cadmium RBC-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Royal blue-top (EDTA) trace element tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 271449006
- Specimen volume
- 2 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
: What Is Cadmium?
: Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal used in batteries, pigments, plastics, and metal plating. It can enter the body through contaminated air, food, water, or cigarette smoke. Because the body clears cadmium slowly, repeated exposure can lead to accumulation in organs such as the kidneys and lungs.
: Why Measure Cadmium in Red Blood Cells?
: Cadmium in red blood cells reflects relatively recent exposure and the amount circulating in blood. Measuring it specifically in red blood cells can give a clearer picture than whole blood or serum alone, particularly when assessing occupational or environmental exposure.
: How the Test Is Performed
: A healthcare professional collects a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is processed to separate red blood cells, and the cadmium concentration is measured using specialized laboratory techniques. No special preparation is usually required, though you should follow any instructions from your provider.
: What the Results Can Mean
: Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, exposure history, and other tests. Elevated levels may suggest recent or ongoing exposure, while normal levels generally indicate that significant exposure is unlikely. Your provider will explain what your specific result means for you.
Reference range
NCBI: RBC Male 4.5-5.9; Female 4.0-5.2 million/mm³N/A
No fasting required. Patient should refrain from taking mineral supplements containing zinc or copper for 48 hours prior to collection as these may interfere with cadmium absorption.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Cadmium exposure is associated with kidney damage, lung disease, and bone effects, and it is classified as a carcinogen. Red blood cell cadmium measurement supports the evaluation of occupational exposure (such as in battery manufacturing or metal work), environmental exposure, and smoking-related exposure. Results should always be interpreted by a clinician in the context of the full clinical picture.
Short name
: RBC Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
: Is this test the same as a urine cadmium test?
: Do I need to fast before this test?
: Can smoking affect my results?
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