Cadmium in Urine, Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of cadmium, a heavy metal, in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium exposure can occur from environmental sources like industrial pollution or from certain foods.
["Cadmium in urine helps assess long-term exposure and potential kidney or health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9466-4
- Short code
- CDW
- Synonyms
- Cadmium Wat-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Trace element-free royal blue-top (K2-EDTA) tube; alternatively, royal blue-top serum tube (no additive)
- 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
- 39514001
- Specimen volume
- 2 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 year
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of metal poisoning (e.g., nausea, fatigue) or if you work in an environment with potential cadmium exposure. It may also be used to monitor kidney function or check for heavy metal buildup in your body.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect your urine over a full 24-hour period, starting and ending with your first morning urine. Store the samples properly and return them to your lab on time.
What Happens During the Test?
The lab analyzes the collected urine sample to measure cadmium levels using advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results are compared to reference ranges to identify potential exposure or health concerns.
What Do Results Mean?
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate recent or long-term exposure to cadmium, which can affect organs like the kidneys. Your provider will discuss results with you based on your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
Non-exposed adults: <1.0 μg/L; OSHA permissible exposure limit (blood): <5.0 μg/LN/A
No fasting required. Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection as it may elevate cadmium levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cadmium in urine is primarily used to detect exposure to this heavy metal, which can accumulate in the body over time. Chronic exposure may lead to kidney damage, bone disorders, or other health issues. This test is particularly useful for individuals with occupational hazards or those living in areas with known environmental contamination.
Short name
Urine Cadmium
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated cadmium levels in urine?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy