nitrites- uti sign?

[sweetangel2080]

hi
was told last week i had an infection before a uti altho i only had twinges and no other signs - took a weeks course of cephalexin but now i'm feeling like I have a UTI - did a home test and it is positive for nitrites - is this a sign of a UTI or can it be present normally?

[Sarojini]

Generally that is a sign of a true UTI. When a home test is positive for nitrite, you should always follow up with a doctor visit -- nitrites are NOT normal.

[sweetangel2080]

on another antibiotic - but apparently my last urine test came up inconclusive with mixed growth - still taking the antibiotic though

[HoneyGirl]

There is a home test for UTI ?

[Sarojini]

Yes. There are at least three that I know of -- two are dipstick tests and one involves adding a chemical to your urine to see if it foams up (if it does you probably have an infection). I know around here that one brand of dipstick test can be found at Walgreens, near the feminine hygiene products and things. Another dipstick test can be purchased here on this site in the ICN Store.