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3w ago

FDA Approves First At-Home HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Screening

The Teal Wand offers a self-administered, telehealth-prescribed alternative to traditional in-office screenings, launching in California this June.

Sign is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly//File Photo
Image credits: Teal Health
About one in four women are currently behind on cervical cancer screening, which along with the HPV vaccine, is a proven way to prevent the cancer from developing.

Overview

  • The FDA has cleared the Teal Wand, the first at-home HPV test for cervical cancer screening, marking a significant step in decentralized healthcare.
  • The device uses a self-collected vaginal swab to detect HPV with 96% accuracy, comparable to in-office screenings.
  • Patients can order the test via a telehealth appointment, collect samples at home, and mail them to a lab for analysis, with follow-up care arranged if results are positive.
  • Cervical cancer screening rates have declined in recent years, leaving many women under-screened, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
  • Teal Health plans to launch the test in California in June, with insurance coverage expected under U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.