Detection of Bacteriuria by a Modification of the Nitrite Test

Abstract

The development of a modified nitrite test for the recognition of significant bacteriuria is described. The test involves incubation of the urine, to which nitrate has been added, in a waterbath at 370 C. for four hours before testing for nitrites. Out of 71 urine specimens with significant bacteriuria 69 (97%) were detected by this test whereas only 54 (76%) gave a positive triphenyl tetrazolium chloride test; the incidence of falsepositive tests was less than 2%. The possible value of this test in large-scale surveys to detect unsuspected urinary infection is discussed. © 1965, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.