Urine Nitrite
This dipstick test checks for nitrites in your urine. Certain bacteria convert nitrates, which are normally present, into nitrites, so their appearance can hint at bacteria in the urinary tract.
Nitrites are a quick, indirect signal that bacteria may be present, since many common urinary bacteria produce them. A positive result can support a clinician's evaluation for a urinary tract infection, especially alongside symptoms and other findings. Because not all bacteria make nitrites, a negative test doesn't fully rule infection out.
A positive result suggests nitrite-producing bacteria may be present in the urinary tract, which a clinician often correlates with symptoms and other tests, sometimes confirming with a urine culture.
A negative result means no nitrites were detected. This is reassuring but doesn't completely exclude infection, since some bacteria don't produce nitrites.
Negative is the expected, reassuring result. A positive finding, or symptoms like burning or urgency with a negative test, is interpreted by a clinician who may order a urine culture.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.