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Cadmium Exposure Toxicology Screen

£80 ✓ In Stock

Choose your sample type:

What's covered in the price: Laboratory-supplied test kit with sample collection materials and prepaid return packaging. Results turnaround varies by test — see the estimated turnaround time shown above.
Results ready within 5 working days

Your sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.

Date of birth required

After you receive your order confirmation email, please reply with your date of birth.

Blood sample
Urine sample
Home or Clinic
(phlebotomy charges apply)
CQC registered Accredited UK labs ISO 15189

How it works

Your testing journey

From order to results in four simple steps. Full transparency on where each step happens and what it costs.

1
Medi Test Direct kit delivered by post

Receive your kit by post

Dispatched same working day if ordered before 3pm. Royal Mail Tracked delivery, typically 1–3 working days. 90% of kits arrive within 24 hours.

2
Home collection option Clinic collection option

Depends on the sample you choose

Urine sample
Collect at home in private. No appointment needed.
Included in kit price
Blood sample
Book at one of our 365+ partner phlebotomy clinics.
Clinic fee applies
3
Urine sample at home Blood sample

Urine or blood — your choice

Urine
Collect a small sample in the container provided, seal the lid, and post it back. Takes under 5 minutes.
Blood
Finger-prick at home or venous draw at a clinic using the vacutainers provided.
4
Return sample by prepaid envelope

Return by prepaid envelope

Seal your sample in the biohazard bag provided and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox using the prepaid Tracked 24 envelope. Post Monday–Thursday for best results.

Why Test for Cadmium?

Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal that accumulates in the body over decades, primarily in the kidneys and liver. It has no beneficial biological role and is classified as a human carcinogen. The main sources of exposure are cigarette smoking (a single cigarette contains 1–2 micrograms of cadmium) and dietary intake from contaminated foods. Long-term cadmium exposure causes kidney damage, bone weakening, and increases cancer risk. Testing helps identify whether your exposure levels are of concern.

Common Sources of Cadmium Exposure

  • Cigarette smoking (major source)
  • Leafy vegetables & grains
  • Shellfish & organ meats
  • Battery manufacturing
  • Pigment & dye production
  • Metal plating & welding
  • Industrial pollution
  • Some costume jewellery

Effects of Cadmium Exposure

  • Kidney damage
  • Bone weakening (osteoporosis)
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cardiovascular effects
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea & vomiting (acute)
  • Muscle pain
  • Anaemia

Cadmium accumulates silently over years. Symptoms typically only appear after significant kidney damage has occurred. Smokers are at highest risk.

Important — Cadmium Exposure vs Sensitivity

Blood vs Urine for Cadmium: Blood cadmium reflects recent exposure (past few months). Urine cadmium reflects long-term body burden —the amount accumulated in your kidneys over years. For most screening purposes, urine is preferred as it shows cumulative exposure. Blood is useful for monitoring current/occupational exposure.

Choose Your Sample Type

You can choose between a blood sample or a urine sample using the selector at the top of this page. Both measure cadmium exposure but in slightly different ways.

Choose BLOOD if:

  • You have current occupational exposure
  • You want to monitor recent exposure changes
  • Your employer requires blood cadmium testing
  • You've recently started or stopped smoking
  • Your doctor specifically requested blood

Choose URINE if:

  • You want to know your total body burden
  • You're a current or former smoker
  • You're concerned about kidney health
  • You want a general cadmium screening
  • You prefer home collection without needles

If you choose to test at home:

  1. 1Blood collection tube
  2. 2Single-use lancet device
  3. 3Sterile gauze pad
  4. 4Adhesive plaster
  5. 5Cleansing wipe
  6. 6Biohazard specimen bag
  7. 7Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  8. 8Step-by-step instructions

If you choose to visit a clinic:

This kit is sent to you and taken to your chosen clinic. The phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.

  1. 1Vacutainer blood collection tubes
  2. 2Needle and butterfly needle
  3. 3Tourniquet
  4. 4Alcohol swab
  5. 5Cotton wool and gauze
  6. 6Adhesive plaster
  7. 7Biohazard specimen bag
  8. 8Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  9. 9Laboratory request form
  10. 10Instructions for the phlebotomist

Urine Collection Kit

  1. 1Urine collection container
  2. 2Biohazard specimen bag
  3. 3Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  4. 4Chain of custody form (if applicable)
  5. 5Step-by-step instructions
No Fasting Required: You can eat and drink normally before this test. Dietary Note: Cadmium can be present in everyday foods. Recent dietary intake may influence urine cadmium levels. For the most accurate assessment, maintain your normal diet — your doctor can interpret results in context. For Sensitivity / Allergy Concerns: This test measures systemic cadmium levels, not cadmium allergy. If you suspect a contact allergy, you'll need a skin patch test from a dermatologist. Sample Collection: Follow the kit instructions carefully. Return your sample using the prepaid envelope on the same day as collection where possible. Avoid posting on a Friday or before a bank holiday.
Medical Disclaimer

This test is for screening and information only — it is not a medical diagnosis or professional advice. Please have your results reviewed by a qualified doctor or healthcare provider who can explain what they mean for your personal health situation. If your results show anything outside the normal range, or if you're worried about your health, see your doctor as soon as you can. Don't change any medications or treatments based on these results alone — always talk to your healthcare provider first.

NO CLINICS, NO QUEUES, NO HASSLE

Four steps to clarity

Pick your panel 01

Pick your panel

Browse over 200 clinically designed test kits and choose the one that fits your goals.

Kit to your door 02

Kit to your door

Everything you need arrives in discreet packaging with step-by-step instructions inside.

Collect your sample 03

Collect your sample

Follow the simple instructions in your kit — whether it's a finger-prick at home or a venous draw at a partner clinic.

Insights delivered 04

Insights delivered

Clear, easy-to-understand results sent to you online with actionable health guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Cadmium exposure is linked to kidney damage, bone loss, and lung disease. Main sources are cigarette smoke, occupational exposure (battery manufacturing, welding, smelting), and contaminated food/water.

No.

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