LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Many women experience fear at the thought of undergoing Pap smears, and numerous others consider the scheduling of these appointments to be inconvenient. Recently, a new option has emerged that allows for this cervical cancer screening test to be conducted at home. However, doctors warn that it might not be suitable for everybody.
It’s a do-it-yourself, at-home test. On Friday, the FDA approved the Teal Wand developed by San Francisco startup Teal Health.
The testing kit is delivered directly to the patient’s home. Women use this kit to collect the necessary cell samples for analysis. Surveys reveal that many women prefer this approach to the traditional method of Pap smears.
“It may be something some patients are comfortable with and some are not,” said Dr. Brian Gray, an OB-GYN with Providence St. Jude Medical Center.
He said the at-home test offers convenience and privacy, which may be reasons he’s seen in-office testing get less popular.
A company study found the Teal Wand matches the same accuracy as an in-office screening.
Experts recommend that women 21 and older should get a Pap smear every three years.
The American Cancer Society stated: “A significant number of cervical cancers are discovered in individuals who have never undergone a cervical cancer screening test or who have not done so in recent times.”
But Dr. Gray cautions that the Teal Wand doesn’t screen for the same things as a traditional test. It screens for the human papillomavirus.
“It’s not looking at actual cancer cells. This is only simply looking at a risk factor for developing cancer. So determining risk is not actually looking for cancer,” he said.
The hope is that women will be more aware of their HPV status and make appointments to see their gynecologists. High risk patients should get screened yearly. Gray said it’s important to discuss your needs and risks with your doctor.
“An annual exam with your gynecologist is going to look for other cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. So you really are limiting yourself on one aspect of a very important exam,” he said.
Teal Health is in talks with insurance companies to have it covered. It will be available to women in California starting in June.
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