Cadmium, Urine (Occupational)

Diagnostic Use

Cadmium metal is used as an anticorrosion coating for ferrous metals and in welding and brazing alloys. Cadmium compounds are used in nickel/cadmium batteries and as pigments in paints, plastics and glazes. The welding and gas cutting of cadmium coated steel carries a high risk due its high volatility. Cadmium occurs naturally with zinc and is a by-product in the smelting of zinc and some lead ores. Cadmium has a long biological half life (10-33 years) and accumulates progressively in the body. Tobacco smoking may significantly increase exposure to cadmium, as cigarettes contain 1-2 g of cadmium about 10% of which is absorbed. Cadmium accumulates in the liver and kidneys, which account for 50% of the body burden, and is excreted in the urine.
Biological monitoring
• Blood cadmium reflects average intake over the previous few months.
• Urine cadmium is indicative of body burden when exposure is low to moderate.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

UCD

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Sample timing is not critical for occupational exposure.

Separating

Aliquot to Core laboratory for UCRN

Turnaround Time

14 days

Test Code

4279