Home Cervical Cancer Screening Revolutionized: FDA Approves Teal Wand for Self-Testing

### Exciting news for those who struggle to keep up with regular cervical cancer screenings or find gynecological exams uncomfortable!

This is also beneficial for healthcare providers who care for such patients. We just need to wait for its wider availability.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Teal Wand from Teal Health — the first home-based self-collection device. It’s expected that the Teal Wand will serve as an alternative to the Pap smear, making it suitable for women aged 25 to 65 who are at average risk for the disease.

**How the Teal Wand Works**

The kit includes a device for sample collection and access to Teal’s telemedicine platform. Healthcare professionals from the company guide patients throughout the process and offer consultations regarding test results. The sample is tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

The same test that clinics use will be conducted for analysis. The Teal Wand can be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. At the woman’s request, screening results can be sent to her physician.

In a clinical study known as SELF-CERV, it was demonstrated that the effectiveness of the Teal Wand is comparable to traditional methods — precancerous conditions were detected in 96% of cases, and 94% of women expressed a preference for taking the test at home, provided it did not affect accuracy.

The device is designed for all cervical cancer patients, regardless of body type, but certain women may benefit even more from its use. This includes women who undergo screenings irregularly, experience pain or discomfort during examinations with a speculum, or have a history of sexual trauma, childbirth trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, or gender dysphoria.

**Why This Matters:**

— Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be almost entirely prevented through regular screening.

— **Over 25% of women** in the U.S. do not receive timely screenings.

— The Teal Wand can help eliminate barriers such as lack of time, available clinics, or psychological discomfort.

Sales will begin in June from California, with plans for the test to roll out in other U.S. states later. Teal is partnering with major insurance companies, indicating that the cost of the test may be covered by insurance, which is a positive outlook for the startup’s development.

**Text prepared by Ekaterina Shemyakinskaya**

Femtech Force — on technologies for women’s health.