The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first at-home test for HPV, offering a new option for cervical cancer screening outside of a doctor’s office. The Teal Wand, developed by Teal Health, allows women to collect a vaginal swab themselves after a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider.
This test marks a shift in screening accessibility, especially for women who delay or avoid pelvic exams. Traditionally, cervical cancer screening involves an in-office pap smear, a procedure that some patients find invasive or uncomfortable. The new test aims to remove that barrier, potentially reaching more women who are overdue for screening.
The test detects high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. Once a sample is collected at home, it is mailed to a lab for analysis. If HPV is detected, Teal Health providers will assist patients in arranging further testing and care through in-person visits.
Cervical cancer is considered preventable with regular screening and vaccination. Still, screening rates have declined over the past two decades. Nearly a quarter of women were behind on cervical cancer screenings in 2019, up from 14% in 2005. Lower screening rates are linked to later diagnoses and poorer outcomes, especially in rural areas.
The Teal Wand is expected to be prescription-only initially through Teal Health’s virtual providers, with plans to expand ordering options. While the company has not disclosed the price, it anticipates the test will be covered by insurance due to its alignment with federal screening recommendations.
The approval could expand access to early detection tools, especially for underserved populations, but experts note that regular gynecological care remains important for broader women’s health.
Source: NBC