The new FDA-approved Teal Wand brings cervical cancer screening into women’s homes, promising to revolutionize healthcare by addressing the barriers that have kept 25% of American women from getting timely screenings.
At a Glance
- The Teal Wand is the first FDA-approved at-home cervical cancer screening device, testing for HPV with the same accuracy as clinician-collected samples
- 94% of women in trials preferred the tampon-like Teal Wand over traditional in-office pap smears, and 86% said they would be more likely to stay up-to-date with screenings
- The device addresses major barriers to cervical cancer screening: access challenges, appointment availability, and discomfort with traditional speculum exams
- Major insurers including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross of California already support the Teal Wand, which begins shipping next month starting in California
A New Era in Women’s Health Screening
The Teal Wand represents a significant breakthrough in women’s healthcare, offering an FDA-approved at-home alternative to traditional pap smears for individuals aged 25 to 65 who are at average risk for cervical cancer. This innovative device tests for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases. Designed like a tampon for ease of use, the Teal Wand allows women to collect vaginal samples comfortably in their own homes, addressing long-standing barriers that have kept many women from getting screened.
Kara Egan, CEO and co-founder of Teal Health, has identified the core issues preventing women from keeping up with screenings: “When we look at the top three reasons why women aren’t getting screened, it’s ‘access,’ ‘convenience,’ and ‘fear/discomfort.’ But when you talk to real women, they explain it differently. Like, ‘I don’t get screened because I’m a mom and I have two young boys, and all the doctor time gets taken with them.’ Another woman said, ‘I live in New York City and I can’t find an OB-GYN.'”
Proven Effectiveness and Patient Preference
The Teal Wand has undergone rigorous clinical testing to ensure its effectiveness. Studies show that samples collected with the Teal Wand match the accuracy of clinician-collected samples, a critical factor in gaining FDA approval and medical trust. The clinical trials involved diverse participants representing the U.S. population across various demographics and included over 15 health organizations, including Planned Parenthood Research Network locations and Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.
The results speak volumes about patient preference: 94% of users preferred the Teal Wand over in-office tests, and 86% reported they would be more likely to stay up to date with screenings if they could do it at home. This overwhelming preference highlights the potential impact on screening adherence rates, which could lead to earlier detection and better outcomes for women with cervical cancer.
How the Teal Wand Works
The process of using the Teal Wand is straightforward and designed for convenience. Users order a kit, have a short virtual visit with a Teal provider for guidance, and then self-collect a sample at home. The sample is sent to a lab for HPV testing, and if results come back positive, patients connect virtually with a Teal provider for further guidance and follow-up care coordination. This streamlined approach maintains the clinical oversight necessary for proper care while eliminating many of the barriers associated with traditional screening methods.
The Teal Wand has already received support from major insurers including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross of California. “We’re also in conversations with several large national payers to get this covered nationally. For us, the goal is to make sure it’s affordable for women,” says Egan. The company plans to begin shipping tests to patients’ homes next month, starting in California, with a gradual rollout to other states.
Addressing Health Disparities
The potential impact of the Teal Wand extends beyond convenience. It could help address significant racial disparities in cervical cancer mortality, with Black and Native American women currently at higher risk. By removing barriers to screening related to healthcare access, geography, and cultural factors, the Teal Wand offers hope for improving screening rates among underserved populations.
The Teal Wand joins global efforts to combat cervical cancer, alongside the HPV vaccine introduced in 2007. At-home cervical cancer screenings are already available in countries like Australia and Sweden, making the United States a latecomer to this approach. As part of the Cervical Cancer Roundtable, Teal Health is collaborating with the American Cancer Society and the Biden Cancer Moonshot to further advance cervical cancer prevention and detection efforts nationwide.
