Cadmium in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, present in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like industrial processes or from contaminated food/water.
["Cadmium exposure may indicate potential health risks; results help doctors assess long-term exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9687-5
- Short code
- CD
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Spec-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Royal blue-top (trace element) evacuated tube; plastic royal blue-top preferred over glass due to potential metal contamination
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 5
- Critical range
- — – 15 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 74011008
- Specimen volume
- 2.0 mL serum (minimum 1.0 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 150
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of metal poisoning (e.g., nausea, fatigue), work in an industry with cadmium exposure, or have been exposed to contaminated substances. It’s also used to monitor chronic exposure in individuals with occupational or environmental risk factors.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect all urine from the time you wake up until you go to bed the next day. Store the sample in a clean container and bring it to your lab visit. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you.
What to Expect During the Test
The test involves collecting a full 24-hour urine sample. You’ll likely be given a container to collect all urine produced during this period. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may suggest recent or long-term exposure to cadmium, which can affect organs like the kidneys or lungs over time. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <5.0 µg/L; Smokers typically show higher baseline levels (1.0-5.0 µg/L) compared to non-smokers (<1.0 µg/L) due to environmental exposure.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should avoid seafood consumption for 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection as this can elevate cadmium levels. Recent occupational exposure history should be documented.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I drink water during the 24-hour urine collection?
Is there anything I should avoid 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy