ยท Nitrite-positive urine is a sign of a possible urinary tract infection (UTI). Learn how a urinalysis detects nitrites in urine, what causes them, and how to treat a UTI with antibiotics. ยท You pass nitrites from your body through your urine, and they're normally not a cause for concern. Levels can increase if you have a bacterial infection and should come back down once the infection is treated. ยท Nitrites in urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is usually treated with antibiotics. Learn how nitrites are detected, diagnosed, and treated, and when to see a doctor for a UTI. What is a nitrites in urine test? A urinalysis test checks for different cells, chemicals, and other substances in a sample of your urine (pee). This includes checking for nitrites. Nitrites in your urine may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Different types of bacteria can cause UTIs. ยท Normally, urine does not have nitrites. If nitrites are present, it can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) because some bacteria that cause UTIs can make this change. Finding nitrites in a urine test helps doctors find and treat infections more easily. Initial detection often involves a urine dipstick test, where a chemically treated strip is immersed into a urine sample. If nitrites are present, the strip will change color, typically to pink, indicating a positive result. This rapid test provides immediate preliminary results. ยท In urinary tract infections, nitrite is excreted in the urine, where its presence can be detected through urinalysis.