In a significant advancement for women's health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Teal Wand™, the first and only at-home self-collection device for cervical cancer screening in the United States. Developed by Teal Health, this innovative tool allows women to collect their own vaginal samples from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for traditional in-clinic Pap smears.
The Teal Wand™ is designed for women aged 25 to 65 at average risk for cervical cancer. After obtaining a prescription through Teal Health's telehealth services, users receive a kit to collect a sample, which is then mailed to a certified laboratory for analysis. The testing process utilizes the same highly accurate HPV test used in clinical settings, ensuring reliable results.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable with regular screening. However, many women delay or avoid screenings due to discomfort, lack of time, or limited access to healthcare facilities. The Teal Wand™ addresses these barriers by offering a convenient and private alternative.
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the Teal Wand™, showing that self-collected samples are as accurate as those collected by clinicians. In the SELF-CERV study, 94% of participants expressed a preference for at-home screening, and 86% indicated they would be more likely to stay up to date with screenings if they could do them at home.
Teal Health plans to launch the Teal Wand™ in California starting in June, with a nationwide rollout to follow. The company is collaborating with major insurance providers to ensure coverage and affordability for users.
This FDA approval marks a pivotal moment in women's healthcare, offering a more accessible and comfortable option for cervical cancer screening. By empowering women to take control of their health on their own terms, the Teal Wand™ has the potential to increase screening rates and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer across the country.