Cadmium in Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, present in your blood serum. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like industrial processes, smoking, or contaminated food/water.
["Cadmium levels help assess potential exposure risks and long-term health effects."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21129-2
- Short code
- CD
- Synonyms
- Cadmium SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Royal blue-top (trace element) vacutainer tube, no anticoagulant for serum; or royal blue-top EDTA tube for plasma
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- — – 50 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 396751005
- Specimen volume
- 2 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like chronic kidney disease, nausea, weakness, or if you’ve been exposed to cadmium through work, smoking, or other environmental hazards. It may also be part of routine monitoring for certain occupations or conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if instructed by your provider. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any medications you’re currently taking.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using advanced techniques to measure cadmium concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges specific to your lab. High levels may indicate exposure or toxicity, while low levels suggest minimal risk. Your provider will discuss results in the context of your health history and symptoms.
Reference range
Non-smokers: <0.5 µg/L; Smokers: <1.5 µg/L; OSHA biological exposure limit: <5 µg/LN/A
No fasting required. Avoid smoking and seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection. Inform clinician of any occupational exposure to heavy metals.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cadmium Level
Frequently asked questions
How is cadmium absorbed or removed from the body?
What are common sources of cadmium exposure?
Can diet alone reduce cadmium levels?
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy