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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Cadmium Blood Test

Measures cadmium levels in the blood to detect exposure to this toxic heavy metal, which can affect kidneys and bones. Important for those in industrial settings or near contaminated areas.

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
Blood sample.
Results
Results typically available the next day if the sample is submitted by 6 PM daily. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Avoid eating seafood for at least 3 days before the test. If you have received Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media, wait 96 hours before sample collection. Ensure powderless gloves are used during collection.
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 Blood 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 using cadmium.
  • ✓Living near industrial sites or hazardous waste areas.
  • ✓Symptoms potentially related to cadmium toxicity (kidney, respiratory, bone issues).
  • ✓Concern about environmental exposure through food, water, or air.
  • ✓Monitoring individuals with known cadmium exposure.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Detects exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can affect kidney and bone health. Helps assess risk in occupationally exposed individuals or those living in contaminated areas.
The Cadmium Blood Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of cadmium present in your bloodstream. Cadmium is a heavy metal known to be toxic, potentially harming the kidneys and bones. This test is particularly relevant for individuals who might have been exposed to cadmium through occupational activities or environmental sources.

This test specifically quantifies the concentration of cadmium in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate significant exposure and potential health risks, prompting further medical assessment.

Individuals working in industries using cadmium (like battery manufacturing, metal plating, welding), those living near industrial sites or hazardous waste areas, people with symptoms possibly related to cadmium exposure (such as kidney problems, respiratory issues, or bone pain), and those concerned about exposure through food, water, or air pollution may benefit from this test.

Taking this test allows for early detection of cadmium toxicity, enabling timely medical intervention. It helps assess exposure levels for those at risk and provides guidance on reducing further exposure. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and discuss any necessary follow-up steps.
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 eating seafood for at least 3 days before the test. If you have received Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media, wait 96 hours before sample collection. Ensure powderless gloves are used during collection.
SampleBlood sample.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results may be affected by recent exposure to contrast media or certain foods. Interpretation requires clinical context.
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 heavy metal that can be toxic to the human body, particularly affecting the kidneys and bones.
Individuals working in certain industries (battery manufacturing, metal plating, welding) or living near contaminated sites are at higher risk.
The test measures the concentration of cadmium in your blood. Elevated levels may indicate significant exposure. Your doctor will interpret the results.
Avoid seafood for 3 days prior. Inform the lab if you recently received certain contrast media. Ensure powderless gloves are used for collection.
Results are typically available the next day if the sample is submitted by 6 PM. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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.

Explore partnerships
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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