$19.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Heavy metals
Cadmium test
Toxic heavy metal from smoking, food, and industrial exposure that accumulates in kidneys and bones.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Cadmium is a metal found in tobacco smoke, some foods and certain workplaces. It builds up in the body over time, mostly in the kidneys.
Why it matters for women
Your body can absorb more cadmium from food when your iron stores are low, which is common in women who have periods. Over many years, cadmium can build up in the kidneys and make bones more fragile, a concern as bone loss speeds up after menopause.
You might check it if…
- you smoke or live with someone who smokes
- your work involves batteries, metal plating, welding or soldering
- a doctor suggested checking for metal exposure
What your result may mean
High Cadmium: what it may mean
High blood cadmium may mean exposure from tobacco smoke, contaminated food, or industrial work such as battery making, metal plating or welding. Cadmium can build up in the kidneys and liver over many years, and long-term buildup can damage the kidneys and bones. The body can absorb more cadmium from food when iron stores run low, which can matter for women with heavy periods. Bone loss after menopause can add to the concern, since cadmium can make bones more fragile. Many people may have no symptoms early on, and kidney tests or a urine cadmium test can help track buildup.
Low Cadmium: what it may mean
Low blood cadmium may be the baseline you want, since the body has no known use for this metal. It may fit with little recent exposure to tobacco smoke or industrial sources. Blood can't fully describe what's already stored in the kidneys, though, and a urine test can give a better sense of long-term buildup. Secondhand smoke and foods such as shellfish and organ meats can still add small amounts over time. A low result may not need any follow-up on its own, especially in someone who has not smoked.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.