Nitrites in Urine: What a Positive Result Means
Also known as: Nitrite urine test, positive nitrites in urine, urine nitrate test
Nitrites in urine are produced when certain bacteria, most commonly E. coli, convert naturally occurring nitrates in urine into nitrites, so a positive dipstick result suggests a bacterial urinary tract infection. A normal result is negative; note that 'nitrite' and 'nitrate' are different — nitrate is a normal urine component from diet, while nitrite specifically signals bacterial activity. A negative nitrite result doesn't fully rule out infection, since not all UTI-causing bacteria produce nitrites, so results are interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, leukocyte esterase, and often a urine culture.
Urine Nitrites normal range
| Category | Range (positive / negative) |
|---|---|
| Negative (normal) | NegativeNo nitrite-producing bacteria detected |
| Positive | PositiveSuggests bacterial infection, commonly E. coli |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Use the range printed on your own report as the definitive comparison.
What high Urine Nitrites can mean
- Urinary tract infection caused by nitrate-reducing bacteria, most often E. coli
- Other gram-negative bacteria capable of converting nitrate to nitrite
What low Urine Nitrites can mean
- A negative result is the normal, expected finding
- A negative result does not rule out a UTI — some bacteria (and short urine dwell time in the bladder) don't produce a positive nitrite test
What to do about an abnormal result
- A positive nitrite result along with symptoms of a UTI (burning, urgency, frequency) is often enough to start treatment, but your doctor may still confirm with a urine culture.
- A negative nitrite test with UTI symptoms doesn't rule out infection — tell your doctor about your symptoms regardless of the result.
- Nitrites are interpreted together with leukocyte esterase and the rest of the urinalysis, not on their own.
- Don't self-diagnose or self-treat with antibiotics from a dipstick result alone — a clinician interprets it alongside your symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if my urine nitrites are positive?
A positive urine nitrite result means bacteria capable of converting urinary nitrate into nitrite are likely present, which most often indicates a urinary tract infection, commonly from E. coli. It's typically interpreted alongside leukocyte esterase, your symptoms, and sometimes a confirmatory urine culture rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis.
What is the difference between nitrites and nitrates in urine?
Nitrate is a normal substance in urine that comes largely from your diet (vegetables, for example), while nitrite is what certain bacteria produce when they chemically convert that nitrate. A urine dipstick tests for nitrite specifically, so a positive nitrite result points to bacterial activity, not just dietary nitrate intake.
Can you have a UTI with negative nitrites?
Yes. A negative nitrite result doesn't rule out a urinary tract infection — some bacteria that cause UTIs don't produce nitrites, and urine needs to sit in the bladder for a few hours for the reaction to occur, so an early-morning or well-hydrated sample is more likely to be accurate. If you have UTI symptoms despite a negative nitrite test, your doctor may still order a urine culture.
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Medically reviewed by Antonieta Rueda, MD and Kyle R. Toth, MD · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your lab results.