What does the Cadmium, Urine test measure?

Why is Cadmium, Urine measured?

Chronic cadmium accumulation produces proximal renal tubular dysfunction (Fanconi syndrome pattern — phosphaturia, glucosuria, aminoaciduria), progressive renal insufficiency, and bone demineralisation through direct osteotoxic and secondary renal calcium/phosphate wasting effects. Cadmium is a Group 1 IARC carcinogen, associated primarily with lung cancer in occupationally exposed populations and bladder and kidney cancer in the general population. In integrative medicine, smoking history is the single most important interpretive context for urinary cadmium results.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

<0.5 µg/g creatinine # REVIEWER FLAG: Confirm Mosaic Diagnostics reference range for urinary cadmium. WHO occupational threshold is 5 µg/g creatinine; population-based NHANES data places general population values well below 1 µg/g creatinine.

Functional medicine optimal

Undetectable to <0.2 µg/g creatinine (functional medicine minimal-burden target). # REVIEWER FLAG: No mainstream clinical optimal below reference range — confirm framing.

Units

µg/g creatinine, µg/L

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