Cadmium in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, found in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources or certain occupational hazards.
["Cadmium in urine helps assess long-term exposure and potential kidney damage from heavy metals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27117-1
- Short code
- CDRBC
- Synonyms
- Cadmium RBC-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Royal blue-top (EDTA) trace element tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.3
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 395141000
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 30 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 year
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Cadmium is a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time, especially affecting the kidneys. High levels may indicate exposure to environmental pollutants, industrial chemicals, or smoking. This test helps doctors monitor whether you’ve been exposed to unsafe amounts of cadmium.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period (from one morning to the next morning) in a special container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out cadmium naturally. Avoid certain medications or supplements that might interfere with results, but your doctor will guide you.
Common Causes of High or Low Results
High urine cadmium levels may suggest occupational exposure (e.g., mining, welding), smoking, or environmental contamination. Very low levels are less concerning unless you have known exposure history. Neither extreme alone means a diagnosis—results are interpreted alongside other factors like symptoms and lifestyle.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges for healthy individuals. A doctor will review your full medical picture, including symptoms like fatigue or kidney issues, to determine if further action is needed.
Reference range
Reference range not established for general population; results interpreted in context of occupational/environmental exposure history. Typically <1.0 μg/g hemoglobin in non-smokers and <2.0 μg/g hemoglobin in smokers.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid recent occupational exposure to cadmium fumes or dust prior to collection. Inform laboratory of any current medications or supplements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
What triggers this test?
How is the test collected?
Can I drink alcohol before the test?
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