FDA Approves Teal ​Wand for At-Home HPV Testing, Boosting Cervical ‍Cancer Screening

Updated May 25, 2025

The Food and Drug Management (FDA) has approved the Teal Wand,‍ a novel self-collection device ‍for ‍HPV‍ testing, offering a new avenue for cervical cancer screening. This at-home HPV ⁣test eliminates the need for a speculum exam ​or a visit to a doctor’s office, allowing individuals⁢ to collect their own samples and mail⁣ them to a lab for ‌analysis.

Cervical cancer screening is ⁢crucial for early detection, often⁤ identifying precancerous changes. ⁢However,⁤ screening rates have been ​declining, prompting⁤ experts to ⁢explore accessible alternatives like at-home tests. The Teal Wand aims to⁢ address‌ barriers such as discomfort, lack of transportation, and time⁢ constraints.

The Teal⁢ Wand features a ‍handle, a sponge at ⁣the top,⁤ and a dial to spin⁤ the sponge for sample collection. Users insert the wand into⁣ the⁢ vagina until‍ slight resistance​ is felt, spin the sponge, detach it,​ and send ⁤it to a lab.‍ A SELF-CERV⁤ study showed⁤ that over 98% of participants collected ⁣a valid sample, ‌with‌ 95%⁤ agreement with clinician-collected samples. Additionally,‌ 93%⁤ found the device ⁣easy to use, and ‍94%⁢ preferred it over clinician collection.

⁤ “Hopefully, being allowed to swab ourselves at home will cast a wider screening net that includes people‍ who lack transportation, can’t take ‍time off, ⁤or put off speculum exams because ​they‌ find ⁣them too uncomfortable.”
‍

What’s ⁤next

Teal Health plans to launch the Teal Wand in California in June 2025, with hopes of expanding distribution to ‍other states. A prescription⁣ is required, and the⁤ company will⁢ offer a ⁢telehealth option. The at-home⁢ HPV test is not recommended for ⁣those ​who are pregnant, have a history of cervical precancer ‍treatment, are HIV-positive, immunosuppressed, or have a ⁤history ⁢of reproductive system cancer.