A test called a urinalysis checks a sample of your urine to see if it has nitrites.
Nitrites in urine may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs are caused by bacteria.
The bacteria change a normal chemical in your urine, called nitrates, into another chemical, called nitrites.
What is it used for?
Generally This test is used to check the health of your urinary tract and kidneys.
So basically its used to check for a UTI
When & Why it's needed ?
Your provider may order a urinalysis as part of a routine checkup or if you have symptoms of a UTI.
Symptoms of a UTI are mentioned:
Frequent urges to urinate
Pain or burning when you urinate
Dark, cloudy, or reddish colored urine
Bad smelling urine
Weakness, fatigue, or confusion, mainly in older people
Fever, which may be a sign of a kidney infection
Results & Interpretation
If there are nitrites in your urine, it may mean that you have a UTI.
But, even if no nitrites are found, you may still have an infection.
That's because some types of bacteria don't change nitrates into nitrites.
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