Cadmium in Urine, Mass Concentration
This test measures how much cadmium, a heavy metal, is present in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can come from contaminated food, water, or environmental sources.
["Cadmium exposure may indicate long-term health risks if levels are elevated."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30925-2
- Short code
- U-Cd
- Synonyms
- Cadmium ?Tm Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Acid-washed trace element-free polyethylene container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 15 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 313307008
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of urine
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 6 months
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had occupational exposure to cadmium (e.g., working in mining, battery manufacturing), if you live in an area with known cadmium pollution, or if you have symptoms like chronic kidney disease, bone pain, or nerve damage. It can also help monitor kidney function in people with heavy metal exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically collect all your urine from one full day (about 24 hours) in a special container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out cadmium naturally. Avoid certain medications or supplements that might affect results, but always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed using a specialized laboratory technique to measure cadmium levels in micrograms (mcg) per gram of creatinine (a waste product in urine that helps standardize results). This helps doctors assess how much cadmium your body has processed.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges specific to your age, sex, and health status. High levels may suggest recent or long-term exposure to cadmium, which can damage organs over time. Low levels usually indicate normal exposure.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <1.0 µg/L (unconcentrated urine); Biological Exposure Index (BEI) for occupationally exposed workers: <5.0 µg/g creatinineN/A
No fasting required. Patients should avoid consuming shellfish, organ meats, and contaminated water sources for 48 hours prior to collection. Occupational exposure history should be documented.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated cadmium levels can indicate potential health risks, including kidney damage, bone disorders (like osteomalacia), and increased risk of certain cancers. Chronic exposure is linked to long-term organ toxicity and may affect nerve function. This test helps identify exposure early so preventive or treatment actions can be taken.
Short name
Urine Cadmium Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated cadmium levels in urine?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink alcohol before this 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy