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

Physical findings in someone with viral pharyngitis may include:

• Red throat:
• Normal throat
• Viral pharyngitis
• Swollen tonsils
• Fever

Physical findings in those with bacterial pharyngitis include:

• Pus on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Tests are not required to make the diagnosis of viral pharyngitis. Tests may be necessary to exclude other causes for throat infection, such as strep throat and mononucleosis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate viral pharyngitis include:

• Rapid strep test:
• A quick screening test for strep throat
• Monospot
• Throat culture:
• Detects types of bacteria within 1-2 days

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

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