Whole blood required - DO NOT SPIN
If trace metal tubes are not available then the following tubes are acceptable:
Reference interval: nmol/L
Non-smokers
<=
27
Smokers
<=
44
Significant exposure
> 90
Uncertainty of Measurement: 14%
Conversion factor : ug/L x 8.9 = nmol/L
Assessment for exposure to Cadmium
Blood cadmium is recommended for monitoring recent exposure. In contrast, urine cadmium concentration reflects past exposure, body burden and renal accumulation .
Sources
Spray-painting, metal smelting, manufacturing batteries, ceramics, silver jewellery or textiles, soldering or electroplating, smoking.
Acute toxicity is mainly via inhalation.
Long term exposure to cadmium:
- Cadmium typically causes renal tubular damage (Fanconi syndrome), with proteinuria typically of the tubular type, glycosuria, and phosphaturia
- Long term exposure is associated with osteoporosis, osteomalacia and fractures (itai itai disease)
- Prolonged inhalation of cadmium fumes is associated with emphysema and an increased risk of lung cancer
Acute toxicity to cadmium:
- Inhalational exposure may give rise to acute pneumonitis
Renal tubular damage can be assessed by testing urinary beta-2 microglobulin (refer to test-guide entry for further details).
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427