First Home Screening Device for Cervical Cancer Approved by FDA

The self-collection device, which requires a prescription, gives women more options and could encourage more women to be screened, experts say 

A recent study published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1 in 4 women are not up to date on their cervical cancer screening. Exactly why isn't entirely clear, but two likely reasons, experts say, are time and comfort. Many women don't have an hour to spare to travel to their doctor for the test, and when they do they find the procedure unpleasant. 

A new product eliminates those concerns. The at-home self-collecting device, known as Teal Wand, allows women to collect the vaginal samples in the private of their home and then mail them to a lab to be processed for HPV.  Most cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus or HPV, and so screening for HPV can help identify women who may be at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Typically, when screening for cervical cancer gynecologists collect samples for HPV testing, cervical cytology--also known as the Pap test--or both. To use the self-collection kit marketed by Teal Health, women would first need to meet with their provider to have them prescribe the kit. 

To learn more about this medical innovation check out the full story on CNN.