It is very difficult to tell if your throat infection is bacterial or viral. Bacterial throat infections caused by Streptococcal bacteria are more common in children, with up to 40 percent of sore throats being caused by this bacteria. This test will make throat infections easier for clinicians to treat. This is an edible lollipop that changes colour in the presence of streptococcal bacteria. This is a non-invasive and tasty way to diagnose this painful infection.

Advantages:

• it’s easy – this type of test is non-invasive and attractive to children (who are most affected by this type of infection)
• it’s quick – you don’t have to eat the whole lolly to find out if you have a strep infection
• it’s real confectionery! – you could buy it in a shop or chemist, preventing unnecessary trips to the doctor