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Cadmium, Red Blood Cells, Substance Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, inside red blood cells. It is used to assess recent or ongoing exposure to cadmium.

Quick summary

["An elevated red blood cell cadmium level can indicate significant exposure to cadmium, a metal that can harm the kidneys and other organs over time."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50834-1
Short code
CDRBC
Synonyms
Cadmium RBC-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Royal blue top (EDTA) trace element tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
0.5
Critical range
2 N/A – 7 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
1–99 years
Method
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
CPT
82300
SNOMED
395142001
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
100
Lipemia max
150
Icterus max
50
TAT
48–120 hours
Order
routine

What Is Cadmium?

Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal used in batteries, pigments, plastics, and metal plating. People are most commonly exposed through cigarette smoke, contaminated food such as leafy vegetables and shellfish, and workplace dust or fumes in industries like battery manufacturing and metal refining. Once absorbed, cadmium can remain in the body for years.

Why Measure Cadmium in Red Blood Cells

Cadmium in whole blood is found mainly inside red blood cells, so measuring the red blood cell fraction can help estimate the body's recent or ongoing exposure. Because cadmium clears slowly from the body, this test is often used together with urine cadmium testing to build a fuller picture of exposure and body burden.

How the Test Is Performed

A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis, typically using sensitive techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. No special preparation is usually required, but you should tell your healthcare provider about your occupation, smoking habits, diet, and any known exposure to metals.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported as a concentration in the red blood cell portion of the blood. Higher levels generally suggest greater exposure, but results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional alongside your history, symptoms, and other tests. There is no single universal cutoff, and reference intervals vary by laboratory and population.

Reference range

Reference range not established for unexposed populations; typically < 0.5 µg/L (4.45 nmol/L) in non-occupationally exposed adults. Results should be interpreted in context of clinical and occupational exposure history.N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Patients should avoid high-cadmium foods (shellfish, organ meats, leafy vegetables) for 24-48 hours prior to collection if possible. Recent smoking should be documented as tobacco is a significant source of cadmium exposure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

RBC Cadmium

Frequently asked questions

Can smoking affect my red blood cell cadmium level?
Yes. Cigarette smoke is a major source of cadmium exposure, and regular smokers often have higher cadmium levels than non-smokers. Your provider will consider smoking status when interpreting your result.
Does a high result mean I will definitely develop health problems?
Not necessarily. A higher level indicates increased exposure and warrants medical follow-up, but it does not predict with certainty that disease will develop. Your provider will interpret the result with your history, symptoms, and other tests.
Are there ways to reduce cadmium exposure?
Yes. Avoiding tobacco smoke, following workplace safety practices such as proper ventilation and protective equipment, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce exposure. Discuss any concerns and possible testing with your healthcare provider.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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