What is a normal nitrite value in urine?

A normal nitrite value in urine is considered to be negative. Nitrites are not generally present in healthy urine; their presence often indicates a urinary tract infection (UTI) because certain bacteria can convert nitrates (which are normally found in urine) into nitrites. Therefore, a negative result suggests that there is no significant bacterial infection occurring.

Understanding that this test is primarily used as a quick screening tool, when a person is healthy and free of infection, the urine will typically not show nitrites. Hence, a negative result is a normal finding, indicating that further analysis or consideration for infection may not be necessary at that time. In contrast, positive or trace nitrite values would warrant further investigation, and a specific numeric value like 100 mg/dL is not applicable to this particular test result regarding nitrites.