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Rotavirus Diagnosis

If the doctor suspects rotavirus, diagnosis may involve a physical exam and asking questions about a patient's medical history, symptoms, and medications. Tests (such as rapid antigen detection tests) may also be used to make a rotavirus diagnosis.

Rotavirus Diagnosis: An Overview

In order to make a rotavirus diagnosis, the doctor will ask a number of questions, including questions about:
 
  • Symptoms
  • Current medical conditions
  • Current medications
  • Family history of any medical conditions
  • Recent travel history
  • Recent food and liquid consumption.
     
The doctor will also perform a physical exam, looking for signs and symptoms of rotavirus. If the doctor suspects a rotavirus infection, he or she may order certain tests.
 

Tests Used to Make a Rotavirus Diagnosis

A rotavirus diagnosis may be made by testing the stool for rotavirus using rapid antigen detection tests. Strains of rotavirus may be further characterized by enzyme immunoassay or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, but such testing is not commonly done.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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