Understanding Strep Throat Diagnosis

Strep throat diagnosis involves medical examination, throat swabs, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of Streptococcus bacteria causing the infection.
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Symptoms Of Strep Throat | Diagnostic Procedures | Treatment Options For Streptococcal Infections | Throat Swab Test | Rapid Antigen Tests
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Strep Throat Diagnosis FAQ


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How is strep throat diagnosed?

To diagnose strep throat, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your throat. If you have symptoms of strep throat, they may take a sample from your throat. They can do this by rubbing a cotton swab against the back of your throat. The sample will be tested in a lab, to see the cause of your sore throat.

Can A strep throat infection be diagnosed with an X-ray?

Imaging tests are not routine in the diagnosis of uncomplicated strep throat infection. However, tests such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound may be necessary to evaluate serious complications of strep throat infections, such as kidney or heart involvement. These complications are rare and primarily seen in untreated patients.

Can a doctor swab your throat to test for strep throat?

If they think you might have strep throat, they will swab your throat to test for strep throat. There are two types of tests for strep throat: a rapid strep test and throat culture. A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep bacteria are likely causing the illness.

How does a healthcare provider test for strep throat?

A healthcare provider may swab your throat to test for bacteria. A healthcare provider will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. If they think you might have strep throat, they will swab your throat to test for strep throat.

How do you know if you have strep throat?

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and probably order one or more of the following tests: Rapid antigen test. Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat.

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils (the lymph nodes in the back of your mouth). With strep throat, your tonsils become very inflamed. This inflammation typically affects the surrounding area of your throat as well, which causes a sore throat (pharyngitis).

Strep Throat Diagnosis References

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