What does the Cadmium (Blood) test measure?

Why is Cadmium (Blood) measured?

Blood cadmium is the marker of choice for assessing recent or current exposure, particularly in smokers and workers in at-risk industries. Chronic cadmium exposure causes proximal renal tubular dysfunction (Fanconi syndrome), osteomalacia through renal phosphate wasting and impaired vitamin D metabolism, and has been classified as a human carcinogen (lung, prostate). Blood levels guide the need for source identification, workplace intervention, and serial renal monitoring.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Non-smokers typically <1.0 µg/L; smokers 1.0–5.0 µg/L. Levels >5.0 µg/L warrant clinical concern.

Functional medicine optimal

For non-occupationally exposed non-smokers, a blood cadmium concentration below 0.5 µg/L is considered low-risk; levels above 1.0 µg/L, even in the absence of symptoms, warrant environmental and occupational review.

Units

µg/L, nmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.