Washington: The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an at-home cervical cancer screening tool as an alternative to Pap smears by a gynecologist, the company behind the device said Friday. 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.
According to Lao News Agency, users can request a kit online, have a brief visit with a telehealth provider to determine eligibility, and then receive a prescription for the kit. After collecting the sample, users ship it to a lab for analysis. Cervical cancer, affecting the lower part of the uterus, is diagnosed in about 0.6 percent of women. Despite the effectiveness of HPV vaccination and regular screening in preventing the disease, more than one in four women fall behind on routine appointments.
Teal Health CEO Kara Egan stated, "When we make care easier to get, we help women stay healthy, for themselves and for the people who rely on them every day." The Teal Wand tests for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. A large clinical trial found its accuracy comparable to a traditional Pap smear, which requires a speculum and often poses a barrier to screening due to discomfort.
Most sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point, though only a small fraction develop cancer. Teal Health has not disclosed pricing but is in discussions with insurers to ensure affordability. The product is set to launch first in California in June.