In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. This cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved an at-home cervical cancer screening tool as an alternative to traditional Pap smears performed by a gynecologist. The device, named the "Teal Wand," is a self-collection vaginal swab shaped like a tampon and developed by Teal Health. It will be available online for individuals aged 25 to 65 who are at average risk for cervical cancer.

To use the Teal Wand, individuals request a kit online and have a brief telehealth consultation to determine eligibility. If eligible, the kit is prescribed, and the user collects the sample and ships it to a lab for analysis. Cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus and is diagnosed in approximately 0.6% of women. While HPV vaccination and regular screening are highly effective in preventing the disease, more than one in four women do not adhere to routine appointments.

According to Teal Health Chief Executive Officer Kara Egan, making care more accessible helps women stay healthy. The Teal Wand tests for high-risk strains of HPV, the primary cause of cervical cancer. Clinical trials have shown its accuracy to be comparable to traditional Pap smears, which require a speculum and are often cited as a barrier to screening due to discomfort. Most sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point, although only a small percentage develop cancer.

Teal Health has not yet disclosed the pricing for the Teal Wand but is in discussions with insurers to ensure affordability. The product is scheduled to launch first in California in June.