If you have a sore throat, a doctor or nurse may wipe the back of your throat to test for strep bacteria. It won't hurt and it only takes a couple of seconds. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.