The evaluation of a snakebite begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a snakebite include:

• Puncture wound:
• Blood oozing from two fang marks in the skin
• Tenderness around the bite
• Swelling around the bite
• Redness of the skin around the bite
• Bruising
• Blisters
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Physical findings in someone with severe reaction to the venom from a snakebite include:

• Excessive salivation
• Facial swelling
• Arm swelling
• Leg swelling
• Vision change:
• Double vision
• Inability to walk
• Poor balance
• Low blood pressure
• High blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Hematuria:
• Blood in the urine
• Red or pink urine
• Blood in the stool:
• Black stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Vomiting blood

Tests are not necessary to make the diagnosis of a snakebite.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a snakebite include:

• Complete blood count
• Bleeding time
• Serum fibrinogen level
• Fibrin split products
• Kidney profile
• Serum myoglobin level
• Creatine phosphokinase
• Coagulation profile
• Urinalysis