###1: Cadmium, Serum/Plasma Substance Concentration
###3: This test measures the amount of cadmium in a blood sample. Cadmium is a toxic metal that can enter the body through environmental or occupational exposure.
["###4: The result helps assess recent cadmium exposure and whether further evaluation or exposure reduction is needed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25359-1
- Short code
- CD-S
- Synonyms
- Cadmium SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Royal blue-top (trace element) evacuated tube; alternatively, dark blue-top sodium heparin 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
- 395071000009108
- Specimen volume
- 2 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
###5: What Does the Test Measure?
###6: The test measures cadmium dissolved in serum or plasma, the liquid portion of blood. It is used to evaluate exposure to cadmium, which can accumulate in the body over time.
###7: Why Is This Test Ordered?
###8: This test may be ordered for people with possible exposure to cadmium in workplaces, contaminated water, soil, food, or industrial processes. It may also be used to monitor certain occupational exposure situations.
###9: How Should I Prepare?
###10: Follow the laboratory’s preparation instructions. Your healthcare professional should tell you whether to avoid food, drinks, medications, supplements, or recent occupational exposure before the sample is collected.
###11: How Are the Results Interpreted?
###11: Results are interpreted according to the laboratory’s established method and reference interval. A higher result may suggest increased exposure, but the result should be considered along with exposure history, symptoms, and other tests.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <5.0 nmol/L; Occupational exposure (BEI): <45 nmol/LN/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid recent seafood consumption (shellfish) for 48 hours prior to collection as it may elevate cadmium levels. Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
###13: Cadmium is a toxic metal, so an elevated result may indicate recent or ongoing exposure and can prompt review of the exposure source. A result does not by itself show which organs are affected; additional testing may be needed depending on the clinical situation.
Short name
###2: Serum/Plasma Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
###14: Is this the same as a urine cadmium test?
###16: Does an abnormal result mean I have cadmium poisoning?
###18: What should I do if my result is high?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy