#United States #San Francisco #Cervical Cancer #Teal Health #Teal Wand

Teal Health's Pioneering Study on At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening

In an unprecedented move that could revolutionize women's health care, Teal Health has unveiled the pivotal findings from its SELF-CERV study. This landmark research indicates that self-collected cervical cancer screening samples using the Teal Wand™ provide results that are equivalent to those collected by clinicians. The study was presented at the Eurogin International Multidisciplinary HPV Conference, heightening its significance within the medical community.

The Importance of the Teal Wand™

Teal Health aims to combat cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease, by making screening more accessible. The Teal Wand™ is recognized as a breakthrough device by the FDA, aiming to provide a user-friendly at-home screening experience for women across the United States. This study, the largest of its kind in the U.S. with over 600 participants, demonstrates that the results of self-collected samples closely match those from clinician-collected samples tested with the Roche Cobas HPV Assay.

The study's findings showed a clinical sensitivity of 96% for both self-collected and clinician-collected samples. This is critical, as it means that the self-collection method can accurately identify women who may have developed cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. Furthermore, the research highlights a remarkable 95% agreement rate between self-collected and clinician-collected samples.

Strong Usability and Preferences

The study did not only focus on clinical outcomes but also emphasized usability and patient preference. An impressive 99% of participants reported no difficulty in using the Teal Wand™, and 92% were able to complete the self-collection process in under five minutes. Additionally, a substantial 98% of the self-collected samples were deemed valid for analysis.

Most notably, the findings indicate that when given the option, 94% of women would choose the Teal Wand™ for self-collection if it offers the same accuracy as traditional methods. Such high preference rates suggest a compelling demand for at-home screening options. Participants expressed that they would be more inclined to keep up with routine screenings if the options were made more accessible and comfortable.

Addressing Barriers to Care

Teal Health recognizes that many women face barriers to conventional cervical cancer screenings, such as appointment issues, discomfort with clinical procedures, or simply a lack of time. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, particularly affecting cervical cancer screening rates which remain stagnant compared to other types of cancer screenings. Teal Health’s innovative at-home approach, paired with a telehealth platform, could break down these barriers, providing a more comfortable and accessible option.

A Step Towards Eradication

Presenting this research at a globally recognized conference underscores Teal Health's commitment to eradicating cervical cancer. The findings align with the growing consensus that diverse screening methods are needed to improve public health outcomes, particularly for cervical cancer, which can be almost completely preventable with consistent screening and follow-up care.

According to Kara Egan, the CEO and co-founder of Teal Health, “With these results, we are one step closer to offering US women a scientifically validated, at-home cervical cancer screening option. We believe this innovation can transform preventive care, eliminate unnecessary barriers, and ultimately save lives.”

Join the Movement

Teal Health is not just innovating cervical cancer screening; it’s pushing for a comprehensive change in how women’s health care is structured. By empowering women with the choice of self-collection, Teal Health is taking significant steps toward increasing access to this life-saving test. As they continue to work toward securing FDA approval, the company is poised to change the landscape of cervical cancer screening for women in the U.S.

For more information about Teal Health and their mission, visit Teal Health's website.