What type of urine analysis result correlates with a urinary tract infection?

The presence of positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase in urine analysis is indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Nitrites are produced by the reduction of nitrate by certain bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria commonly responsible for UTIs, such as Escherichia coli. Therefore, their presence suggests the presence of these bacteria in the urine.

Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme released by white blood cells, and its presence in the urine indicates inflammation or infection, often associated with a UTI. When both nitrites and leukocyte esterase are found together, it strongly correlates with a UTI diagnosis, as it reflects both the presence of bacteria and a response from the immune system.

Other potential urine analysis results, such as positive glucose and ketones, while suggestive of other conditions like diabetes or starvation, do not specifically indicate a UTI. Similarly, negative results for nitrites and leukocyte esterase would imply a lack of infection, and positive protein alone does not specifically point to a UTI but may indicate other renal issues instead. Thus, the combination of positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase is the most significant indicator pointing to a urinary tract infection.