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A new telehealth platform and at-home screening device are poised to dramatically increase access to potentially life-saving cervical cancer prevention, addressing a critical gap in women’s healthcare.
Teal Health, a virtual women’s health company, today announced the national availability of its comprehensive telehealth platform and the Teal Wand™, the first FDA-authorized self-collection device for at-home primary HPV testing. This launch comes just seven months after receiving FDA authorization in May 2025 and aligns with updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) regarding cervical cancer screening.
Addressing a Growing Need for Accessible Screening
Cervical cancer is nearly 100% preventable with routine screening, yet participation rates have been declining. According to company data, almost one in three U.S. women is currently behind on recommended screenings. Teal Health aims to remove barriers to care—including missed appointments, discomfort, and past trauma—by bringing screening directly to patients.
“Women have been asking for a better option—and now it’s here,” stated Kara Egan, CEO and Co-Founder of Teal Health, in a company release.
How the Teal Wand™ Works
The Teal Wand™ offers a streamlined process for at-home cervical cancer screening:
- Private sample collection at home using the Teal Wand.
- Mail-in testing utilizing the same FDA-approved HPV assay used in clinical settings.
- Secure delivery of results and virtual follow-up for any abnormal findings.
- Optional coordination with a patient’s existing OB-GYN or primary care team, with consent.
This model aims to provide clinical parity with traditional in-office testing while eliminating logistical and emotional hurdles.
Backed by Science and National Guidelines
The Teal Wand™’s efficacy has been demonstrated in a 16-site national clinical trial, where it matched the performance of clinician-collected samples, detecting cervical precancer 96% of the time. Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 94% reporting a preference for the Teal Wand due to its comfort, ease, and privacy. Real-world users have rated the experience 4.9 stars, describing it as quick, painless, and transformative.
This scientific validation has been reinforced by the ACS, which recently added at-home self-collection using the Teal Wand as a recommended option for primary HPV testing. Teal Health is also a member of the Cervical Cancer Roundtable, a collaboration between the ACS and the Cancer Moonshot, further solidifying its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern.
Expanding Access and Affordability
Teal Health works with most major insurers and accepts HSA/FSA payments. The cost of the screening is $99 with in-network insurance and $249 without, with ongoing efforts to expand coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. The company is also forging partnerships with health systems, employers, and provider organizations to reach women who are overdue for screening or face structural barriers to traditional care.
The success of at-home screening for other cancers, such as colorectal cancer—where mailed outreach programs have doubled screening rates and halved mortality since 2016—provides a compelling precedent. .
Teal Health’s nationwide launch, timed with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, builds on a January call to action involving 30 female-focused companies and healthcare organizations to prioritize cervical cancer screening. The company’s accessible, guideline-backed solution is now a reality for women across the United States.
