What does it mean if your urine has leukocytes but no nitrates?

What does it mean if your urine has leukocytes but no nitrates?

Leukocytes in the urine without nitrite If the test for leukocyte esterase is positive but finds no nitrite, an infection may still be present. The test is particular to certain bacterial enzymes, which means it can pick up specific bacterial infections with more certainty.

Does negative nitrites mean no UTI?

A negative nitrite test does not rule out a UTI, but a positive one strongly suggests infection. Infection with non-nitrate-reducing organisms will result in a negative nitrite test.

Can you have a UTI with no nitrates?

If there are nitrites in your urine, it may mean that you have a UTI. However, even if no nitrites are found, you still may have an infection, because bacteria don’t always change nitrates into nitrites.

What causes negative nitrite in urine?

Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of nitrites in urine. These occur when bacteria infect the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. A doctor can easily diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) by testing a urine sample.

Can you have a negative urine culture and still have a UTI?

If your urine culture shows you don’t have a UTI, you’ll need further testing to find out the cause of your symptoms.” In rare cases, a person with symptoms similar to a UTI, but with repeated negative cultures (meaning they don’t show a bacterial infection) may in fact have bladder cancer.

How do you know if you have a UTI in urinalysis?

A urinalysis involves checking the appearance, concentration and content of urine. For example, a urinary tract infection can make urine look cloudy instead of clear. Increased levels of protein in urine can be a sign of kidney disease.

Can you have a UTI that doesn’t show up on test?

If the bacteria are not in your sample, they will not be detected. There are other reasons your sample may not contain detectable levels of bacteria, including over-hydration. If your bladder is frequently flushed and your urine is diluted, your sample may not contain enough of anything a urine culture can detect.

Can you have a UTI with a negative urinalysis?

Therefore, given a 50 percent pretest probability, 81 percent of women with a positive urinalysis will have a UTI and 77 percent with a negative urinalysis will not; a negative urinalysis in an average- or high-risk patient cannot rule out UTI.

Can you have UTI with clear urine?

When to see a doctor. If a person experiences clear urine, they do not usually need to take any further action. Clear urine is a sign of good hydration and a healthy urinary tract. However, if they consistently notice clear urine and also have extreme or unusual thirst, it is best to speak to a doctor.

What is silent UTI?

“Our compromised elders, especially females often develop, “silent” urinary tract infections. These UTIs are called “silent” because they usually have no symptoms of pain, no burning, no odor, no frequency, etc. BUT there will often be profound changes in behaviors.”