Cadmium in Urine, Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, present in your urine. It helps assess exposure to this toxin, which can affect the kidneys and other organs over time.
["This test helps detect potential cadmium poisoning or exposure risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87478-4
- Short code
- CD-S
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Spec-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Royal blue-top (trace element) Vacutainer tube, no additive (serum). Alternatively, trace element-free plastic transfer tube.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 168481003
- Specimen volume
- 2.0 mL serum (minimum 1.0 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like kidney problems, nausea, or fatigue, or if you work in industries where cadmium exposure is common (e.g., mining, battery manufacturing). They might also order it for routine screening if you have a history of heavy metal exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample, typically collected over a 24-hour period. If your provider specifies a different timing, follow their instructions carefully.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal levels may suggest recent or long-term exposure to cadmium, which can harm organs like the kidneys. Your provider will discuss results with you based on your medical history and symptoms.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated cadmium levels can result from occupational exposure, smoking, or environmental contamination. Chronic exposure may lead to kidney damage or other health issues.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <1.0 µg/L (typically <0.5 µg/L). Occupational exposure monitoring thresholds established by OSHA and ACGIH should be referenced for occupationally exposed individuals.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection as shellfish contain high concentrations of cadmium. Avoid recent radiographic contrast procedures when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Understanding Cadmium Exposure
Short name
Urine Cadmium Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
Can I drink water before giving my urine sample?
What if my results are higher than expected?
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