Most cervical cancer occurs in women who are not adequately screened, diagnosed or treated. Images for representation purposes only | Image source: AP
According to a medical device company, U.S. regulators have approved the first cervical cancer test kit that allows women to collect their own samples at home before shipping them to a lab.
Teal Health said Friday that the FDA approved its turquoise wand for home use, providing a new way to collect vaginal samples that can detect HPV viruses that cause cervical cancer. Currently, HPV tests and pap smears are performed in health clinics or doctors’ offices.
Solve the filter gap
An influential federal team recommended using HPV samples to enhance screening last year. The FDA has also recently expanded two older HPV tests for self-collecting, but must be performed in a medical office or a mobile clinic.
HPV or human papillomavirus is very common and is sexually transmitted. Most HPV infections clear themselves, but persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer. Most cervical cancer occurs in women who are not adequately screened, diagnosed or treated.
How does it work?
To collect samples, insert a swab or brush into the vagina and rotate it, then place the swab in a tube or container and process it in the laboratory.
Teal Health’s kit requires a prescription and customers can obtain it through one of the company’s online health providers. The San Francisco-based company said it will initially sell the kits in California next month and then expand to other states. The company also said it is working with insurance companies in health coverage.
publishing – May 11, 2025-7:11 pm ist
