Teal Wand at-home HPV self-collection kit for cervical screening
Official title: Evaluation of the Teal self-collect device for cervical cancer screening
Funded at Teal Health INC · NIH-11196220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project checks whether the Teal Wand lets people collect a reliable at-home vaginal sample for HPV testing to help detect cervical cancer early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Teal Health INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $513,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA291336-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11196220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a cervix who are eligible for HPV-based cervical cancer screening and who prefer or need an at-home option would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without a cervix, those already up-to-date with clinic-based screening, or those who need clinician-collected samples for specific follow-up may not benefit from this device.
What this research studies
From your home, you would use the Teal Wand’s textured sponge to collect a vaginal sample that can be tested for high-risk HPV on FDA-approved assays. The device is designed to store samples dry and then be eluted into approved preservatives so labs can process them using existing workflows. The team plans clinical and analytical testing informed by prior FDA feedback to support an at-home use approval. If approved, the device would be offered through Teal telehealth visits to reach people who face barriers to clinic-based screening.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could expand access to cervical cancer screening by making reliable at-home HPV testing available to people who cannot or do not attend clinic visits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows HPV self-collection can increase screening uptake and often performs similarly to clinician samples on validated HPV tests, but at-home self-collection devices have not yet received FDA approval in the U.S.
Where this research is happening
-
Teal Health INC
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Depel, Trena — Teal Health INC
- Study coordinator: Depel, Trena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
-
HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings
A new, quick, low-cost test using CRISPR and fluorescence readouts to help screen for cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
A digital tracking system helps doctors and patients in Kenya improve cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up, especially for women living with HIV.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.