nitrites-in-urine
Reviewed
Also called: urine test, urine analysis, UA, urinalysis
A urinalysis test checks for different cells, chemicals, and other substances in a sample of your urine (pee). This includes checking for nitrites.
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, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't 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.
You will need to give a urine sample for the test. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample.
There is no known risk to having a urinalysis or a nitrites in urine test.
Understanding results
Many of these types of bacteria change a normal chemical in your urine, called nitrates, into another chemical, called nitrites.
- Nitrites detected (positive): If there are nitrites in your urine, it may mean that you have a UTI. Limitation: Your provider will also look at other results of your urinalysis, especially tests that look for signs of white blood cells in your urine. Next step: If you have signs of a UTI, your provider may order a urine culture test to see how much and what type of bacteria may be in your urine. This information helps your provider decide which type of antibiotic medicine to prescribe.
- Nitrites not detected (negative): But, even if no nitrites are found, you may still have an infection. Limitation: That's because some types of bacteria don't change nitrates into nitrites. Next step: If you think you have a UTI, ask your provider which test is right for you.
- 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
To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider. If you think you have a UTI, ask your provider which test is right for you.
- 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?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.