#San Francisco #US #Teal Health #HPV Screening #UC Davis Health

A Breakthrough Initiative in Women's Health

Introduction
Teal Health, known for its pioneering solutions in women's healthcare, has recently announced an exciting collaboration with UC Davis Health. This partnership aims to evaluate the effectiveness of at-home cervical cancer screening via a pilot study, which promises to reshape how women approach preventive care.

Background of the Pilot Study
Launched on July 23, 2026, the pilot study is set in San Francisco and backed by funding from Teal Health's NIH SBIR grant. The primary objective is to assess how at-home HPV self-collection can be incorporated seamlessly within the health system's framework. With the goal of reaching women who are due or overdue for cervical cancer screening, this initiative seeks to address gaps in preventative care effectively.

Enhancing Accessibility and Trust
Kara Egan, CEO and Co-Founder of Teal Health, expressed that this collaboration is vital in making cervical cancer screening accessible through trusted health systems. By embedding Teal’s FDA-authorized self-collection device, known as the Teal Wand, into existing workflows, the pilot intends to make preventive care not only more accurate but also more accessible for women, thereby encouraging timely health measures.

How the Pilot Works
The study targets women aged 30-65 who are past due for cervical cancer screenings. Participants will receive notifications through various channels such as MyChart, emails, or text messages, guiding them towards Teal’s at-home screening solution. Following an eligibility assessment, kits will be shipped directly to their homes, allowing for a convenient screening process. Completed kits will then be returned by mail for laboratory analysis by UC Davis, with results being integrated into the health system's electronic health record.

Closing Preventive Care Gaps
This initiative is not just about convenience—it also represents a strategic effort to boost screening completion rates while alleviating pressure on traditional clinics. Heather Leisy, the medical director of Population Health Quality at UC Davis Health, emphasized the importance of expanding screening options to enhance health equity and deliver services that are responsive to patients’ needs.

Research and Evaluation
Upon completion of the pilot, researchers will analyze results to compare the effectiveness of the at-home screening pathway against standard in-clinic methods. Key metrics such as screening completion rates, patient engagement, operational efficiency, and the ability to serve women in need of care will be evaluated.

Future Implications
The collaboration signifies a significant step in Teal Health's broader strategy to partner with health systems nationwide, further solidifying the role of at-home cervical cancer screenings in preventive healthcare. As Teal Health continues to advocate for improved healthcare accessibility, this pilot aims to provide a robust model adaptable to various health systems, ultimately striving for a healthier future for women.

Conclusion
As healthcare continues to evolve, initiatives like this highlight the necessity for innovation in preventive care. The future looks promising for women’s health, with collaborations that prioritize accessibility, trust, and integration into existing healthcare frameworks.

About Teal Health
Teal Health is a pioneering woman-led company committed to enhancing women’s healthcare experiences through its FDA-authorized vaginal self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening. Being an influential member of the Cervical Cancer Roundtable, Teal Health aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern through innovative solutions that increase access to life-saving screenings.