What type of test is used to diagnose HPV?

The correct type of test used to diagnose HPV is a cervical swab, which is part of a Pap test or an HPV test. This method is particularly effective because HPV often affects the cervical cells, and a cervical swab allows for the collection of these cells directly from the cervix. In laboratory analysis, this can help identify the presence of high-risk HPV types that are associated with cervical cancer.

While blood tests, urine tests, and oral swabs can be valuable in identifying certain conditions, they are not standard diagnostic tools for HPV. Blood tests typically assess for general immune responses or other infections, urine tests are used for different sexually transmitted infections, and oral swabs may test for HPV in the throat, but they are not the primary method for diagnosing HPV, particularly in relation to cervical health. Thus, the cervical swab stands out as the principal method for HPV diagnosis, especially for cervical screening.