Detecting exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal
Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Cd (Cadmium)
Cadmium (Cd)
Whole blood
Patient Preparation: High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to potentially interfere with most inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry-based metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Supplies: Metal Free B-D Tube (EDTA), 6 mL (T183)
Container/Tube: Royal blue top (EDTA) plastic trace element blood collection tube
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Collection Instructions:
1. See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions.
2. Send whole blood specimen in original collection tube. Do not aliquot.
0.3 mL
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Whole blood | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
Ambient | 28 days | ||
Frozen | 28 days |
Detecting exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal
The toxicity of cadmium resembles the other heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, and lead) in that it attacks the kidney; kidney dysfunction with proteinuria with slow onset (over a period of years) is the typical presentation.
Breathing the fumes of cadmium vapors leads to nasal epithelial deterioration and pulmonary congestion resembling chronic emphysema.
The most common source of chronic exposure comes from spray painting organic-based paints without a protective breathing apparatus; auto repair mechanics represent a susceptible group for cadmium toxicity. In addition, another common source of cadmium exposure is tobacco smoke.
<5.0 ng/mL
Reference values apply to all ages.
Normal blood cadmium is less than 5.0 ng/mL, with most results in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL.
Acute toxicity will be observed when the blood level exceeds 50 ng/mL.
No significant cautionary statements
1. Moreau T, Orssaud G, Lellouch J, Claude JR, Juguet B, Festy B. Blood cadmium levels in a general population with special reference to smoking. Arch Environ Health. 1983;38(3):163-167
2. Strathmann FG, Blum LM: Toxic elements. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham CD, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 44
The metal of interest is analyzed by triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Monday through Saturday
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
82300
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CDB | Cadmium, B | 5609-3 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
8682 | Cadmium, B | 5609-3 |