In a historic milestone for women’s health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially approved the first-ever at-home cervical cancer screening device. Named the Teal Wand, this innovation from Teal Health allows individuals to self-collect samples in the privacy of their home and send them to a lab for full analysis—mirroring the accuracy of a traditional pap smear done at a clinic.
The device represents a breakthrough for women who find in-clinic screenings uncomfortable, intimidating, or inaccessible. With cervical cancer screenings acting as a critical first step in preventative care, the Teal Wand aims to close the gap for the 1 in 4 women currently behind on this life-saving procedure.
“Cervical cancer screenings are often the entry point to a woman’s health journey”
said Kara Egan, co-founder and CEO of Teal Health. “By giving women more autonomy, privacy, and flexibility, we hope to drastically improve participation rates and early detection outcomes.”
The FDA’s approval comes on the heels of a $10 million seed extension round, which brought Teal Health’s total funding to $23 million. The company is backed by an impressive roster of investors, including Serena Ventures (founded by tennis icon Serena Williams), Chelsea Clinton, Emerson Collective, and Forerunner—all of whom share a mission of transforming access to women’s healthcare.
Available by prescription, the Teal Wand Kit includes the self-collection device and virtual access to licensed medical providers, who will review the results and consult with the patient. Distribution begins in June, starting in California, with plans for nationwide rollout to follow.
The device couldn’t be more timely. While cervical cancer rates have declined significantly over the past few decades thanks to regular screenings and preventive measures, equitable access remains a challenge—especially for women in underserved communities or those with demanding schedules.
Teal Health’s innovation aims to bridge that gap and modernize women’s healthcare for the 21st century.
