Streptococcal infections - Diagnosis 

Diagnosing streptococcal infections 

Strep A

A strep A infection can be diagnosed by taking a swab of affected tissue or saliva and checking it for the presence of bacteria.

A blood test can also be used to check if your immune system has produced certain antibodies in response to a group A infection.

In cases of suspected an invasive group A infections, blood tests can be used to confirm whether there are actually bacteria in the blood, rather than just the antibodies.

Strep B

If your baby has symptoms that could indicate they have a strep B infection then a diagnosis can be confirmed using blood and urine tests.

 

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Glossary

Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Urine test
Urinalysis / UA is when a urine sample is tested, commonly to check for any signs of infection, or protein or sugar levels.

Last reviewed: 03/06/2011

Next review due: 03/06/2013

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