Diagnosis

To diagnose a staph infection, your doctor will:

• Perform a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will closely examine any skin lesions you may have.
• Collect a sample for testing. Most often, doctors diagnose staph infections by checking a tissue sample or nasal secretions for signs of the bacteria.
• Other tests. If you're diagnosed with a staph infection, your doctor may order an imaging test called an echocardiogram to check if the infection has affected your heart. Your doctor may order other imaging tests, depending on your symptoms and the exam results.