The evaluation of pharyngitis begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with pharyngitis may include:

• Normal throat
• Red throat:
• Red tonsils
• Swollen tonsils
• Pus on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• White patches on the lining to the throat

Tests are often necessary to confirm the presence of a bacterial throat infection.

Tests that may be used to evaluate pharyngitis include:

• Rapid strep test:
• A quick screening test for strep throat
• Complete blood count
• Monospot
• Throat culture:
• Detects various bacteria within 1-2 days

A rapid strep test is usually performed in those with a sore throat and 2 or more of the following:

• Fever
• Swollen neck glands
• Pus on the tonsils
• Absence of a cough

For more information:

• Viral pharyngitis evaluation
• Bacterial pharyngitis evaluation
• Tonsillitis evaluation
• Peritonsillar abscess evaluation
• Mononucleosis evaluation