Teal Wand OK’d – Cancer Test Goes Home!

Daily Report May 12,2025

The FDA recently approved the Teal Health’s Teal Wand, marking a new chapter in at-home cervical cancer screening with impressive accuracy.

At a Glance

The FDA has approved the Teal Wand, the first at-home cervical cancer screening test.
A clinical trial revealed a 96% accuracy rate in detecting cervical precancers.
86% of participants preferred this self-collection method over traditional tests.
The new test may lead to increased screening compliance.

FDA Approval of Teal Wand

The new Teal Wand, produced by Teal Health, permits women to collect their own cervical cells at home and mail them for laboratory analysis. This FDA-approved test detects human papillomavirus (HPV), the key cause of cervical cancer, positioning itself as an alternative to the in-person Pap smear. With a successful clinical trial of over 600 women, the Teal Wand demonstrated a 96% accuracy rate in detecting cervical precancers.

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An overwhelming 86% of the trial’s participants stated a preference for at-home testing if given the choice, highlighting a potential shift in how cervical cancer screenings could be approached in the future. Notably, 94% praised the convenience of home testing, suggesting this method may attract more participants for regular screenings. Public health experts are hopeful this development may dramatically improve early detection rates and preventative measures.

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Expanding Access and Compliance

The introduction of the Teal Wand comes amidst efforts to increase accessibility to cervical cancer screening across the U.S., especially for those with low screening rates due to personal preferences, cultural barriers, and lack of healthcare access. “Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet screening rates in the U.S. continue to lag, and the FDA approval of this at-home Teal Wand self-collection device is a critical step forward,” noted Dr. Christine Conageski.

Quote: “Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet screening rates in the U.S. continue to lag, and the FDA approval of this at-home Teal Wand self-collection device is a critical step forward” – Dr. Christine Conageski.

This advancement aligns with the initiative to integrate more flexible options, such as home-based screening, into public health practices. By providing telehealth services and collaborating with insurers for flexible payment plans, Teal Health aims to remove barriers and enhance compliance among women aged 25 to 65, who are considered at average risk for cervical cancer.

A Step Forward with Proven Effectiveness

The approval of the Teal Wand represents a significant stride in women’s healthcare, aiming to reduce the approximately 11,500 new cervical cancer cases annually in the U.S. The ease and privacy of the test make it appealing for many, potentially increasing participation in regular screenings. For those testing positive for HPV, the arrangement ensures they receive a follow-up traditional Pap smear, with those testing negative advised to rescreen after three to five years, extending its utility in prevention pathways.

As the SHIP Trial Network gathers more evidence across 25 clinical sites, the expectation is to expand self-collection tests’ FDA approval, including for home settings. While the Teal Wand initially launches in California, plans for nationwide availability underscore a broader goal to improve healthcare accessibility while maintaining accuracy and efficacy in cancer prevention.