Physicians usually diagnose HPV based on the presence of genital warts, i.e. by direct observation. Your physician may apply a solution that turns warts white, in order to make them more visible. A microscopic smear test called Pap, that checks the cells collected by your gynecologist from the cervix, may indicate changes of the cervix, before the development of cancer. This is called a screening test.

An abnormal Pap smear should be further examined, in order to detect any cervical changes early enough, before they turn cancerous.

Pap tests are not 100% fail proof and they can give inaccurate results under some circumstances. . To improve the accuracy of these tests, some clinics now offer direct HPV tests. The test is performed with a swab (as in a Pap test). The collected cells are then examined in the laboratory for the presence of HPV. The results are then sent to the doctor who ordered the test, who then in turn, contacts the patient with the results. Treatment options are also discussed with the patient at the same visit.

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