Hand-foot-and-mouth disease laboratory tests

Lab Tests

 * Physical examination is usually diagnostic for hand foot and mouth disease. However, throat swabs or swabs from the lesions can be sent for culture of virus or other immunological studies. Since the testing often takes 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a final answer, the physician usually does not order these tests.
 * Tzanck smear may be performed to exclude herpes simplex infection.