nitrites-in-urine
Reviewed
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.
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.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.