The positive nitrite result indicates that bacteria capable of converting nitrate to nitrite were identified in the urine, indicating an urinary tract infection, which should be treated with antibiotics if there are associated symptoms, such as Ciprofloxacino.
Although the urine test is able to identify the presence of bacteria in the urine both by the presence of nitrite and by observation under the microscope, it is indicated to perform a more specific urine test, urine culture, as it is able to identify the presence of bacteria in the urine even if the nitrite is negative, in addition to informing which species and how it behaves in relation to various antibiotics, indicating to the doctor which is the best form of treatment. Understand what urine culture is and what it is for.
How the exam is done
The test that makes it possible to identify the presence of nitrite in the urine is the EAS, also called a type 1 urine test or abnormal sediment elements, which is done from the analysis of the first morning urine. The collection must be made in a specific container provided by the laboratory and the genital region must be cleaned, discard the first stream of urine and collect the next. See how EAS is done.
Some bacteria have the ability to convert the nitrate normally present in the urine, into nitrite, being indicated on the reaction strip that is used to analyze this and other aspects of the urine. However, even if the result is nitrite negative, it does not mean that there are no bacteria in the urine. This is because some bacteria do not have this capacity, being only identified when the urine is viewed under the microscope or from the urine culture, which is a more specific exam.
Normally, the diagnosis of urinary infection by means of EAS occurs when, in addition to positive nitrite, several leukocytes, erythrocytes and bacteria are observed during observation under the microscope.
Positive nitrite treatment
The treatment for nitrite positive in the urine test must be guided by a urologist or general practitioner and is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Ciprofloxacino, for 3, 7, 10 or 14 days, depending on the medicine used, dose and severity of infection.
However, when there are only changes in the urine test without symptoms, treatment may not be necessary, as the body may be able to fight infection. In these cases, the doctor will schedule a new urine test to assess the progress of the infection.
In the case of positive nitrite in pregnancy, the woman should consult the gynecologist or obstetrician to start treatment with the most appropriate antibiotic for pregnancy, such as Cephalexin or Ampicillin, since there is a greater risk of developing a kidney infection. See how treatment is done for urinary tract infection in pregnancy.
