While tests such as throat swabs or sputum (mucus) samples can help with diagnosis, such investigations take time, so skill needs to be deployed to make these decisions. (politics.co.uk)
Other tests the veterinarian will likely perform are radiographs (x-rays) of the chest and abdomen, echocardiogram (EKG), endoscopy, nasal and throat swab culture, and a fine needle biopsy of the fluid in the lungs and chest cavity if necessary. (wagwalking.com)
In this study, researchers analyzed throat swabs and other biological samples taken from 22,892 wild ducks and other aquatic birds collected before, during and after a 2014 - 15 H5 flu outbreak in poultry. (sciencedaily.com)