nitrites-in-urine
Reviewed
Also called: urine test, urine analysis, UA, urinalysis
A urinalysis test that checks for nitrites in your urine. Nitrites may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Many types of bacteria change a normal chemical in urine (nitrates) into nitrites. If nitrites are found, it usually means you have a UTI. However, even if no nitrites are found, you may still have an infection because some bacteria do not produce nitrites. Your provider will also look at other urinalysis results, especially tests for white blood cells.
Specimen: urine
Why this test may be ordered
- as part of a routine checkup
- if you have symptoms of a UTI
Preparation and collection
You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test. Tell your provider about everything you take. Do not stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. If your provider has ordered other urine or blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Follow any special instructions from your provider.
You will need to give a urine sample using the 'clean catch' method. A health care professional will provide a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions. Wash your hands, open the container without touching the inside, clean your genital area with the wipe, urinate a small amount into the toilet, then collect about an ounce or two of urine into the container without letting it touch your body. Cap the container and return it as instructed. If you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are having your menstrual period, tell your provider before the test.
There is no known risk to having a urinalysis or a nitrites in urine test.
Understanding results
Your provider will interpret your nitrites result along with other urinalysis findings. The following patterns are possible.
- Nitrites detected (positive): May mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Your provider will consider other urinalysis results, especially tests for white blood cells, to make a diagnosis. Limitation: Some types of bacteria do not change nitrates into nitrites, so a positive result does not rule out all infections. At-home test kits may not always provide accurate results. Next step: Prompt
- Nitrites not detected (negative): Does not rule out a UTI. Some bacteria do not produce nitrites. Your provider will look at other urinalysis results, especially tests for white blood cells. Limitation: A negative nitrites result does not guarantee you do not have a UTI. At-home test kits may give false-negative results. Next step: Routine
- Even if no nitrites are found, you may still have an infection because some types of bacteria don't change nitrates into nitrites.
- At-home test kits (urine dipstick tests or UTI test strips) are quick and easy to use but do not always provide accurate results. Your results may say you don't have a UTI when you really do.
What to do next
If you have symptoms of a UTI, it's important to see your provider so you can start treatment right away, if needed. Your provider may order a urine culture test to see how much and what type of bacteria may be in your urine. This helps decide which antibiotic to prescribe. Results from a urine culture usually take a couple of days. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
- What do my nitrites result and other urinalysis results mean together?
- Do I need a urine culture test to confirm a UTI?
- What are my symptoms and how should I monitor them?
- Should I stop any medicines before providing a urine sample?