Both test for the presence of antibodies to the virus.
Saliva tests are also available.
Testing of a cervical discharge is used when gonorrhea is suspected. Similarly, a sample may be removed from a lymph node or sore and examined if someone is thought to have syphilis. Examination of a cervical discharge sample can detect chlamydial infection. The doctor may also examine the warts with a colposcope, a medical device that looks like a pair of binoculars. Because someone with human papilloma virus infection may have no warts, it's important for women to have yearly Pap tests to check for any precancerous changes from a hidden infection.