TEAL Wand: At-Home Cervical Cancer Test

A New Way to Screen for Cervical Cancer

The TEAL Wand is an at-home device designed to make cervical cancer screening more accessible, private, and comfortable. Traditionally, screening requires a clinic visit, often involving a speculum exam performed by a healthcare provider. For many, this can be uncomfortable or inaccessible due to geography, cost, or personal reasons.

The TEAL Wand offers an alternative. It allows users to collect their own cervical sample in a safe and simple way from home, helping more people take control of their health and increasing the chances of early detection.

How It Works

The device is designed with ease of use in mind. Here's how the process generally works:

1. The user receives the TEAL Wand as part of a screening kit
2. Instructions guide them through the safe and hygienic collection of a cervical sample
3. The Wand is used to gently reach the cervix and collect a sample without the need for a speculum
4. Once complete, the sample is sealed and sent to a lab for testing, typically for HPV (human papillomavirus), a leading cause of cervical cancer

The goal is to provide a reliable way to screen for cervical cancer risk without requiring a clinic appointment or invasive procedures.

Why This Matters

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer when caught early. However, many people do not get screened regularly. Barriers include lack of access to clinics, fear or discomfort with exams, or simply not having the time.

At-home testing options like the TEAL Wand can help reduce these barriers. By offering a private, convenient option, it may increase screening rates, especially in underserved or rural areas.

Key Benefits

• Privacy and comfort: Collected in the privacy of the home
• Accessibility: No need for in-person appointments
• Early detection: Helps identify HPV infections before they develop into cancer
• User-friendly design: Gentle and easy to use, with clear instructions