HomeLab TestsNitrites in Urine
Back to Lab Tests
Nitrites in Urine
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Nitrites in Urine

A nitrites in urine test is a component of a urinalysis used to detect the presence of bacteria, which often indicates a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Overview

A urinalysis checks for various cells, chemicals, and substances in your urine. The test for nitrites is specifically used to identify a urinary tract infection (UTI). Many bacteria that cause UTIs convert nitrates—a chemical normally found in urine—into nitrites. Therefore, the presence of nitrites usually signals an infection.

Why is it used?

Urinalysis is used to assess general health, including the condition of your kidneys and urinary tract. It is frequently ordered if you exhibit symptoms of a UTI, which may include:

  • Frequent urges to urinate, even when the bladder is nearly empty.
  • Pain or burning during urination.
  • Dark, cloudy, or reddish-colored urine.
  • Foul-smelling urine.
  • Fatigue, weakness, or confusion (particularly in older adults).
  • Fever (which may indicate a kidney infection).

What happens during the test?

You will be required to provide a urine sample. To ensure the sample is not contaminated by germs on your skin, a health care professional will provide a cleansing wipe and instructions for the "clean catch" method. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your clinician may order a urine culture, which can detect bacteria that don’t produce nitrites, and a microscopy to look for white blood cells or red blood cells. A repeat test after a few days can also help.
Wash your hands, wipe from front to back, and collect the mid‑stream urine in a sterile cup. Avoid touching the cup lid or the inside of the container. If you’re a woman, keep the pad or tampon out of the way. Store the sample in the refrigerator if you can’t bring it to the clinic within an hour.===
The nitrite test is about 70–80% sensitive for common UTI bacteria like E. coli, but it can miss infections caused by organisms that don’t convert nitrates to nitrites, such as Klebsiella or Proteus. A negative result does not rule out a UTI.
Nitrite production depends on bacterial type, the amount of bacteria, and the time the urine stays in the bladder. Rapid urination, low bacterial load, or infections with non‑nitrate‑reducing bacteria can result in a negative nitrite test.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss