The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new at-home cervical cancer screening device called the Teal Wand. This marks a significant advancement in women’s healthcare, providing a more accessible and comfortable method for detecting cervical cancer.

The Teal Wand is the first FDA-approved at-home kit for self-collection of vaginal samples for cervical cancer screening in the U.S. It enables women to collect a sample from the privacy of their homes, eliminating the need to visit a clinic for a Pap smears test which is uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Available by prescription, the Teal Wand will soon be offered to women aged 25 to 65 who are at average risk for cervical cancer. In addition to the device, users receive access to a comprehensive telehealth service. Teal’s medical professionals provide support through each step from prescribing the kit to reviewing lab results and providing follow-up guidance.

Cervical cancer is among the most preventable forms of cancer when detected early through regular screening. However, over 25% of women in the U.S. are not screened within the recommended time frame because of busy schedules, limited appointment availability, personal fears, or discomfort with in-clinic examinations.

Teal Health is working to address this gap by offering a screening method that is comfortable, accurate, and discreet. “It’s not just about introducing a new medical tool; it’s about changing how care is delivered,” said Kara Egan, CEO and Co-Founder of Teal Health. “I understand how easy it is to put off your own health needs. Now, we’re offering a solution that fits real life.”

The Teal Wand collects samples for the HPV (human papillomavirus) test – the virus responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. It utilizes the same high-quality test found in clinics, the cobas HPV test from Roche, but allows women to