The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home cervical cancer screening test, the Teal Wand by Teal Health, which could replace traditional Pap smears. This innovation, which allows women to collect a sample at home and send it for laboratory analysis, represents a significant shift in women’s health care. The FDA’s approval comes after a clinical trial involving over 600 women, which demonstrated the test’s 96% accuracy rate in detecting cervical precancers. The results of this clinical trial suggest that the Teal Wand could help improve screening rates, especially among women who find in-person Pap smears uncomfortable or inaccessible.
The Teal Wand, created by Teal Health based in San Francisco, is designed to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of almost all cervical cancer cases. The product’s maker, Teal Health, has emphasized that the test offers a less invasive and more convenient alternative to traditional Pap smears, which are typically recommended every three years for women up to age 65. According to the company’s statement, the Teal Wand is expected to be available initially in California in June 2023, with plans to expand nationwide as soon as possible. Teal Health is also working with major insurance providers to ensure that the test is accessible to a broader range of women, particularly those facing financial barriers to healthcare.
Dr. Christine Conageski, associate professor in OB-GYN and director of the Complex Dysplasia Clinic at the University of Colorado, who was a principal investigator in the SELF-CERV trial, highlighted the significance of the new screening method.