A revolutionary at-home cervical cancer screening device is set to arrive in the US market, offering a convenient and comfortable solution for women to screen for HPV. The Teal Wand, approved by the FDA, allows users to perform a vaginal swab test from the comfort of their own home.
The package includes the wand, swab, storage materials, and instructions on how to send the sample to a laboratory for testing. Users will receive their results via smartphone, marking a significant change in cervical cancer screening that has not seen major updates in over 80 years.
HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer in America, and an at-home test can be particularly beneficial for rural and low-income populations where access to healthcare may be limited. According to the FDA, this device may help prevent some 4,000 predicted deaths from cervical cancer this year.
While there are various prevention and treatment options available, delays in scheduling cervical cancer screenings due to work or childcare commitments are common. The Teal Wand aims to address this issue by making screening more accessible and convenient.
Dr. Barbara Goff, a gynecologic oncologist, welcomed the innovation, stating it expands cervical cancer screening to more women and makes it more comfortable. Interested parties can join the waitlist and learn more about insurance coverage on the Teal Health website.
Source: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/the-first-at-home-cervical-cancer-screening-device-was-approved-by-the-fda-set-to-roll-out-this-year