Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Urinalysis findings are interpreted with symptoms, collection conditions, medical history and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the performing laboratory's own reference interval and reporting method first.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Clearly abnormal, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected findings should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Positive Nitrites in Urine: What Does It Mean?

A positive nitrite result supports the presence of certain bacteria and is interpreted with leukocytes, symptoms and urine culture when needed.

Test summary

Test name: Nitrites in Urine
Abbreviations: Nitrite
Category: Urinalysis / Infection
Panel: Urinalysis
Specimen: Urine
Common units: negative, positive

What does the test measure?

The Nitrites in Urine test assesses the presence of nitrites in urine.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used to support urinary tract infection assessment by detecting nitrites produced by some bacteria.

Information about a low result

A negative nitrite result does not exclude a urinary tract infection; not all bacteria produce nitrite and collection conditions matter.

Information about a high result

A positive nitrite result supports the presence of certain bacteria and is interpreted with leukocytes, symptoms and urine culture when needed.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own.

Reference range 1

Population: General urine sample
Specimen: Urine
Method: Dipstick

Sourced reference context for Nitrites in Urine

This is sourced example reference/clinical-context information; the user's own laboratory report and specimen conditions take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Interpretation may be more informative when related urine parameters are considered together.

Related specialties

Urology
Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Urinalysis — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Urinalysis components, routine use and qualitative normal findings · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Nitrites in Urine — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Urine nitrites and UTI screening · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Leukocyte esterase urine test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Leukocyte esterase and WBC/UTI screening · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Urine culture — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Urine culture for bacteria/germs · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Diagnosis of Bladder Infection in Adults — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government clinical reference · 2026 · Urinalysis and urine culture in UTI diagnosis · Verified: Aug 12, 2026