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Urine nitrite (dipstick)

Urine tests · also printed as Nitrite (urine), Urine nitrite, Nitrites (urine), Dipstick nitrite, Urinalysis nitrite

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the expected result. Trace and + are graded findings the lab prints as text.

What this test measures

A dipstick pad that detects nitrite, which many urinary bacteria make from dietary nitrate. It is a quick pointer to infection.

Why doctors request it

Part of a routine urinalysis at the GP, in hospital, in pregnancy and in many private health checks.

What commonly pushes it up

A urine infection with nitrite-producing bacteria

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Not all bacteria make nitrite, so a negative does not exclude infection
Urine that has not been in the bladder long reads negative

About the sample

A clean mid-stream sample, tested within an hour. Grades are printed as Negative, Trace, +, ++ or +++.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.