Azo Test Strips Turning Purple After 5 Minutes: What Does It Mean?
You’re sitting in the doctor’s office, anxiously awaiting the results of your urinary tract infection (UTI) test. The nurse comes in and hands you a small plastic container with a test strip inside. You dip the strip in the urine sample and wait the allotted five minutes. As you watch, the strip slowly turns purple. Panic sets in as you wonder what this could mean.
Don’t worry this does not necessarily mean that you have a UTI. There are several possible explanations for why an azo test strip might turn purple after 5 minutes. Let’s explore what azo test strips are, what they can tell you about your health, and what might be causing the color change.
Azo Test Strip Basics
Azo test strips are a simple and inexpensive way to test for the presence of nitrites in urine. Nitrites are produced by bacteria that convert nitrates, which are found in many foods and drinks, into nitrites. The presence of nitrites in urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Azo test strips work by detecting the presence of nitrites in urine. The strip is coated with a chemical that reacts with nitrites, causing the strip to turn purple. The color change is proportional to the concentration of nitrites in the urine. A darker purple color indicates a higher concentration of nitrites, which may be a sign of a UTI.
What Does It Mean If My Azo Test Strip Turns Purple After 5 Minutes?
If your azo test strip turns purple after 5 minutes, it could mean that you have a UTI. However, it is important to note that a positive azo test strip result does not always mean that you have a UTI. There are other possible explanations for why the strip might turn purple, including:
- You have recently eaten foods or drinks that contain nitrates, such as spinach, beets, or processed meats. This will provide false positive results.
- You are taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, that can cause the strip to turn purple.
- Your urine is very alkaline, which can cause the strip to turn purple.
It is important to see your doctor to confirm a UTI diagnosis if you have a positive azo test strip result. Your doctor will likely order a urine culture to confirm the presence of bacteria in your urine.
Tips for Using Azo Test Strips
To ensure accurate results when using azo test strips, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the test strip is not expired.
- Dip the test strip into the urine sample for 5 seconds.
- Hold the test strip horizontally for 5 minutes.
- Compare the color of the test strip to the color chart on the package.
If you have any questions about how to use azo test strips, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Azo Test Strips
Q: How sensitive are azo test strips?
A: Azo test strips are very sensitive and can detect even small amounts of nitrites in urine. However, they may not always be able to detect all UTIs.
Q: How specific are azo test strips?
A: Azo test strips are not very specific for UTIs. They can produce false positive results in people who have recently eaten foods or drinks that contain nitrates, are taking certain medications, or have very alkaline urine.
Q: What should I do if my azo test strip turns purple?
A: If your azo test strip turns purple, it is important to see your doctor to confirm a UTI diagnosis. Your doctor will likely order a urine culture to confirm the presence of bacteria in your urine.
Conclusion
Azo test strips are a simple and inexpensive way to test for the presence of nitrites in urine. However, it is important to note that a positive azo test strip result does not always mean that you have a UTI. There are other possible explanations for why the strip might turn purple. It is important to see your doctor to confirm a UTI diagnosis if you have a positive azo test strip result.
Are you interested in more information about azo test strips?
I encourage you to do some additional research online or talk to your doctor. There are many helpful resources available that can provide you with more information about azo test strips and how to use them.
