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8h ago

FDA Approves First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Test

The Teal Wand offers a convenient, accurate alternative to in-office HPV testing, with availability starting in California this June.

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The 'Teal Wand' -- a self-collection vaginal swab shaped like a tampon and developed by Teal Health -- will be available online for individuals aged 25 to 65 who are at average risk for cervical cancer
FILE - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in Silver Spring, Md., is photographed, Oct. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Overview

  • The Teal Wand, developed by Teal Health, allows women aged 25–65 to self-collect vaginal samples at home for HPV testing, matching the accuracy of clinician-collected samples.
  • The FDA approval is based on clinical trials involving over 600 women, demonstrating 96% accuracy in detecting HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer.
  • The test requires a prescription obtained through Teal Health's telehealth platform, with follow-up care provided if results are positive.
  • Teal Health plans to launch the test in California in June, with efforts underway to expand nationwide and secure insurance coverage.
  • Experts emphasize that the test supplements, but does not replace, regular gynecological exams, which screen for additional health concerns.