How the New At-Home HPV Test, Teal Wand, Compares to Pap Smear Cancer Screenings
Doctors explain who benefits from traditional screenings and who can opt for self swabs
If you’ve been putting off scheduling your Pap smear—maybe for months, maybe longer—take a deep breath. There’s no judgment here. While some women breeze through these appointments, many of us find them uncomfortable, awkward or even anxiety-inducing. The good news? Medical science is finally catching up with what we’ve been wishing for: a way to screen for HPV, one of the primary risk factors for cervical cancer, right from home. Let’s dive into what doctors want you to know about the Teal Wand, a breakthrough at-home HPV test.
What is a Pap smear?
“A Pap smear, short for (Papanicolaou test), allows for cells from the cervix (external and internal) to be collected through a vaginal exam and viewed microscopically for changes and abnormal findings,” explains Alyssa Dweck MS MD FACOG, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide Health and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.
Dr. Dweck says test results can range from normal cells to mildly abnormal ones to more serious precancerous cells or even cancer. “The purpose is to screen for cervical cancer through early detection of precancerous changes and prevent cervical cancer,” says Dr. Dweck.
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In addition, your general pelvic health screening may also look for signs of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection that can raise the risk of cervical cancer.
Meet the Teal Wand: A new at-home HPV test
So what exactly is this new at-home HPV test that’s getting so much buzz? “The Teal Wand test is the recently FDA authorized at-home test to screen for 14 high risk strains of HPV,” says Dr. Dweck. “The device allows for cells to be collected from the vagina/cervix with a self administered vaginal swab. The swab is then sent to a lab for testing and reviewed by a practitioner.”
Dr. Dweck says the Teal Wand test is covered by some insurance plans, with coverage expanding, and that people can also pay about $249 out of pocket using HSA or FSA funds.
Teal Wand vs. Pap smears
“A Pap smear looks at the cells of the cervix microscopically to specifically detect precancerous or cancerous cellular changes,” explains Dr. Dweck. “The HPV test detects the presence of one or more strains of HPV.”
That’s important, since Dr. Dweck says most cervical cancers are caused by a high-risk HPV strain. And Amy G. Cantor MD, MPH, FAAFP, MSCP, Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine says other risk factors for cervical cancer can include:
- Smoking tobacco
- Having a weakened immune system (Learn how to boost immunity after 50)
- Having other sexually transmitted infections such as herpes simplex virus or chlamydia
Is the at-home Teal Wand HPV test accurate?
Dr. Dweck explains that while the collection method differs with a self-swab, Teal Health—the manufacturer of the Teal Wand—notes that the at-home HPV test itself is the same one used in a doctor’s office.
Teal Health says studies found the Teal Wand was highly effective at collecting samples, detecting high-risk HPV in 95 percent of the same cases identified by clinician-collected tests, and showing a 96 percent sensitivity for identifying cervical precancer.
Still, Dr. Dweck explains that not everyone is a good candidate for this Pap smear alternative, and eligibility can depend on the specific test. In general, people who may want to avoid self-swab HPV testing and opt for clinician-administered screening include those who:
- Are pregnant
- Are living with HIV or another condition that causes immunosuppression
- Have a history of reproductive cancers
- Were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES), an estrogen-based drug prescribed to some pregnant women prior to 1971
Do you need a Pap smear?
If you don’t fall into one of the above categories, does that mean you can skip Pap smears altogether? It depends. “There are many women who can skip the speculum exam and instead use HPV testing,” says Dr. Cantor. “In these cases, a clinician can collect an HPV sample from the vagina, or patients can collect the sample themselves using a swab, either in the office or outside the clinic.”
Dr. Cantor says people may be able to skip a traditional speculum exam and use a self-collected HPV test if they:
- Are at average risk for cervical cancer
- Are between the ages of 30 and 65
- Do not have a history of abnormal Pap smears
- Do not have a history of cervical cancer
- Do not have a weakened immune system
3 ways to lower your cervical cancer risk
Staying on top of cervical cancer screenings is a great first step, but there are other lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk. Here are three that both Dr. Cantor and Dr. Dweck recommend.
Avoid smoking
“Smoking weakens the immune system, makes it harder for the body to clear HPV infections and is linked to increased risk of cervical cancer,” says Dr. Cantor. (Learn how to kick the habit.)
Get vaccinated
“The HPV vaccine prevents many types of HPV-related cancers including cervical, vaginal, oral, anal and others,” says Dr. Cantor. “It’s most effective when given before exposure to HPV. [The] recommended age is 11 to 12, but vaccination is still beneficial for many adolescents and adults who have not yet been vaccinated. People who are vaccinated should still get screened regularly. The vaccine is covered by insurance up to age 45 in women and for adolescent boys and girls.”
Practice safe sex
“Practice safe sex with a condom or other barrier method since HPV is considered a sexually transmitted virus,” says Dr. Dweck.
The bottom line
When it comes to cancer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless—like so much is beyond our control. But here’s the empowering truth: You have more say in your health than you might think. Whether you choose the convenience of the Teal Wand or prefer traditional Pap smears, staying current with your cervical cancer screenings is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.
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