May 9, 2025 - News

FDA Approves At-Home Cervical Cancer Test

Screening, delivered.
A woman unboxing an at-home testing kit
Teal Health

Next-gen diagnostics are breaking the gold standard.

What’s happening: The FDA approved the first at-home screening tool for cervical cancer in the US, offering an alternative to the Pap smear.

Developed by femtech company Teal Health, the self-collection device allows patients to test for HPV in the comfort of their home with the same accuracy as a doctor’s office.

Up-to-date: Citing discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety around Pap smears, more than one in four women in the US are overdue for a cervical cancer screening, which is advised roughly every three years.

More troubling, screening has decreased in recent years, with significant disparities among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Of note, the HPV vaccine protects against 90% of cervical cancers, but vaccination does not replace screening.

Pelvic PR. Breaking taboos within the gender care gap, diagnostics that cater to female anatomy are gaining momentum.

  • Proteomics International will launch the world’s first blood test for endometriosis this year.
  • Evvy is upgrading its vaginal microbiome test, unlocking insights to improve fertility and IVF outcomes.
  • Daye’s diagnostic tampon makes headway for HPV, STI, and microbiome testing.

Tapping tech for crucial catches, Eli Health’s oral device enables real-time hormone monitoring, and Vara utilizes AI-assisted mammography for more effective breast cancer screening.

Looking ahead: While innovations are making solutions to women’s health problems more available, participation isn’t guaranteed. Incorporation into a stackable wellness structure can help providers increase compliance.

Samantha Sette
Samantha Sette
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