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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Cadmium 24 Hour Urine Test

Measures cadmium levels in urine over 24 hours to detect exposure to this toxic metal, often found in industrial settings. Essential for assessing health risks associated with cadmium.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
A 24-hour urine collection. A specific container will be provided by the laboratory.
Results
Results are typically available the next day, but confirm the exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Avoid consuming seafood for at least 3 days before collection. If you have received Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media, wait 96 hours before collecting the sample. Do not use catheterized urine samples.
Test priceKSh 9,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Cadmium 24 Hour Urine Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Occupational exposure in industries like battery manufacturing, metal plating, or welding.
  • ✓Living near areas with potential cadmium environmental contamination.
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of cadmium toxicity (e.g., kidney problems, bone pain).
  • ✓Monitoring individuals with known high exposure risk.
  • ✓Assessing potential heavy metal burden.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify excessive exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. It is used to assess potential health risks associated with cadmium accumulation, particularly kidney damage and bone disease. Monitoring cadmium levels can guide occupational health management and inform preventative measures.
The Cadmium 24 Hour Urine Test measures the amount of cadmium excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Cadmium is a heavy metal that can build up in the body, primarily through exposure in certain industries like battery manufacturing, metal plating, and welding. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems, affecting the kidneys, bones, and other organs. This test is important for individuals who may have been exposed to cadmium, allowing for early detection and management of potential health risks. It provides vital information for assessing your health status related to heavy metal exposure. Understanding your cadmium levels can help guide necessary lifestyle changes or occupational adjustments to minimize further exposure.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationAvoid consuming seafood for at least 3 days before collection. If you have received Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media, wait 96 hours before collecting the sample. Do not use catheterized urine samples.
SampleA 24-hour urine collection. A specific container will be provided by the laboratory.
MethodologyThe test typically involves measuring cadmium concentration in the urine sample using techniques like Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results can be influenced by recent exposure, kidney function, and certain medications. The test measures exposure over the collection period but doesn't pinpoint the exact source or duration of exposure. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal found in the environment and used in various industries. Exposure can lead to kidney damage, bone disease, and other health problems.
Individuals working in industries like battery manufacturing, metal plating, welding, or living near contaminated sites are at higher risk.
You will be given a special container and instructions to collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period. Please follow the instructions carefully for accurate results.
An elevated level indicates higher than normal exposure to cadmium. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your individual health history and potential exposure sources.
Yes, but you should avoid seafood for at least 3 days prior to starting the collection. Follow all preparation instructions provided by the lab.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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