The evaluation of a sore throat begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a sore throat may include:

• Red throat
• Fever
• Rash
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Pus on the tonsils
• An enlarged tonsil on one side

Tests are not necessary to make the diagnosis of a sore throat.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a sore throat include:

• Complete blood count
• Rapid strep screen
• Throat culture
• Monospot

A rapid strep test may be performed to detect strep throat in those with a sore throat and 2 or more of the following:

• Fever
• Swollen neck glands
• Exudates (pus) on the throat or tonsils
• Sore throat, but no cough

For more information:

• Bacterial pharyngitis evaluation
• Epiglottitis evaluation
• Influenza evaluation
• Mononucleosis evaluation
• Peritonsillar abscess evaluation
• Tonsillitis evaluation
• Thrush evaluation
• Viral pharyngitis evaluation