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HelpMayo Test ID CDB Cadmium, Blood
Specimen Required
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.
Useful For
Detecting exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal
Method Name
Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Cadmium, BSpecimen Type
Whole bloodSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days | ||
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Clinical Information
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.
Reference Values
<5.0 ng/mL
Reference values apply to all ages.
Interpretation
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.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Clinical Reference
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
Method Description
The metal of interest is analyzed by triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 to 2 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
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.CPT Code Information
82300
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CDB | Cadmium, B | 5609-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8682 | Cadmium, B | 5609-3 |