[PHP] Best method of detecting if a table is present?

[KW802]

Using PHP and working with a vB 3.5.x related hack/script, what is the absolute cleanest way of detecting if a table exists in the DB or not? I've seen a few suggestions on my travels but, to be frank, I'm not convinced they were the best solutions.

Before I start using some questionable methods I'd love to hear how others are checking for table presences in a vB 3.5.x environment.

Thanks

[sabret00the]

custom function in which it calls a table, suppresses the error if any and gives a value if said error exists.

that's what i'd do for example.