Cadmium in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, found in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources or certain industrial activities.
["Cadmium levels in urine help identify potential exposure to this harmful substance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34255-0
- Short code
- UCD
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Ur-sRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Trace element-free polyethylene urine container; acid-washed preferred
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- CPT
- 82300
- SNOMED
- 313835004
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL random or 24-hour urine collection
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 6 months. Acidify to pH <2 with nitric acid for long-term storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, or kidney problems, or if you work in an environment with potential cadmium exposure (e.g., mining, manufacturing). They might also recommend it if you have a history of chronic kidney disease or other health conditions linked to metal toxicity.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll collect your urine over a full 24-hour period, starting right after you wake up and ending just before you wake up the next morning. Store the urine in a clean container and bring it to your lab visit.
What to Expect During the Test
The test involves collecting all urine produced during a 24-hour period. You’ll need to measure and record each time you urinate, keeping the urine in a container until the test is complete. Some labs may provide a 24-hour urine collection kit to simplify the process.
What the Results Mean
Higher than expected levels of cadmium in urine may indicate recent exposure to cadmium or an ongoing health concern. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in relation to your medical history and other tests.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <1.0 µg/g creatinine (typically <0.8 µg/24h); OSHA biological exposure limit: <5 µg/g creatinineN/A
No fasting required. Avoid shellfish and cadmium-containing foods for 48 hours prior to collection. Refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours before collection as tobacco contains cadmium.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated cadmium levels in urine?
What symptoms might I experience if cadmium levels are high?
How is cadmium exposure managed or prevented?
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