- Nitrite test
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A nitrite test is a chemical test used to determine the presence of nitrite ion in solution.
A common nitrite test can be performed by adding 4 M sulfuric acid to the sample until acidic, and then adding 0.1 M iron(II) sulfate to the solution. A positive test for nitrite is indicated by a dark brown solution, arising from the iron-nitric oxide complex ion.[1]
This test is also commonly used in diagnosing urinary tract infections. A positive nitrite test indicates that the cause of the UTI is a gram negative organism. The reason for nitrites existence in the presence of a UTI is due to a bacterial conversion of endogenous nitrates to nitrites.
See also
- Nitrate test: similar, but uses concentrated sulfuric acid to test for nitrate ion.
References
- ^ Holltzclaw, H.; Robinson, W. (1988), "College Chemistry with qualitative analysis", Edition, D. C. Heath and Company:Lexington, MA 8: 1006
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