Using a self-collect device for cervical cancer screening
Official title: Evaluation of the Teal self-collect device for cervical cancer screening
Funded at Teal Health INC · NIH-11008315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new device called the Teal Wand that lets women collect their own samples at home for HPV testing, making it easier for them to get screened for cervical cancer, especially if they have trouble accessing traditional healthcare.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,114,893 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA291336-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are eligible for cervical cancer screening and may benefit from at-home testing options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with cervical cancer or those who do not require screening will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Teal self-collect device, which allows women to collect their own vaginal samples for HPV testing, a key factor in cervical cancer prevention. The device features a textured sponge designed to gather sufficient cellular material and preserve samples for accurate testing. By enabling at-home sample collection, the Teal Wand aims to increase participation in cervical cancer screening, particularly among women facing access barriers. The study seeks FDA approval for this innovative device to facilitate telehealth visits and improve preventive care access.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates among women, particularly those with limited access to traditional healthcare services.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches to self-collection for HPV testing have shown promise in increasing screening rates, indicating potential success for this novel device.
Where this research is happening
-
Teal Health INC
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitzpatrick, Megan — Teal Health INC
- Study coordinator: Fitzpatrick, Megan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.