New At-Home HPV Test Set to Replace Pap Smears by 2027

A new at-home cervical cancer screening test has received approval from the FDA and will soon be covered by most insurance plans. Developed by Teal Health, this innovative device allows women to collect samples from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the discomfort and awkwardness traditionally associated with Pap smears. The device resembles a tampon and uses a gentle swab to collect a sample from the vaginal wall, which is then mailed to a lab for testing for human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.

After receiving FDA approval in May 2025, the test was launched in select states last fall. It is now available nationwide, marking a significant shift in cervical cancer screening practices. Kara Egan, co-founder and CEO of Teal Health, highlighted the advantages of this new method, particularly for those who have faced barriers to regular screenings. Approximately 30% of individuals are currently behind on these vital tests, often due to the discomfort of traditional examinations and challenges in securing appointments.

Transforming Cervical Cancer Screening

The transition from Pap smears to HPV testing has been ongoing since the early 2000s, when medical professionals began using HPV testing as a complementary measure to Pap smears. The first primary HPV test was approved by the FDA in 2014 but still required in-office sample collection. Recent research has confirmed that samples collected from the vagina can be effective for HPV testing, paving the way for self-collection options.

As of the past two months, both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have updated their guidelines to include recommendations for self-collect HPV tests. This change means that insurance providers will be required to cover Teal Health’s test starting from January 1, 2027, further promoting accessibility for all women.

While Teal’s test does not completely replace Pap smears, it offers an alternative for those recommended to undergo HPV testing. The ACS advises women aged 25 to 65 to undergo HPV testing every three years with self-collection or every five years with a clinical test. The HRSA suggests HPV testing every five years for women aged 30 to 65. Notably, women under 25 are generally not advised to undergo HPV testing, given the low risk of cervical cancer at that age.

Understanding the New Screening Process

The process for using Teal’s at-home test is straightforward. Users begin by visiting Teal’s website to initiate a consultation with a healthcare provider via telehealth. After determining eligibility, the provider prescribes the self-collection device and explains how to use it. The device operates similarly to a tampon applicator, allowing the user to collect a sample with minimal discomfort.

Once the sample is collected, it is mailed to a laboratory for testing against 14 strains of HPV commonly associated with cancer. If the result is positive, this indicates a higher risk for cervical cancer, and further follow-up care will be necessary. This follow-up is critical, as many cases of cervical cancer arise from a lack of subsequent care after an abnormal screening.

The financial aspect of the test is also noteworthy. The cost is currently set at $99 with insurance, as Teal Health partners with several major insurers, including Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare. For those without insurance, the price is $249, and the test is eligible for purchase through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Additionally, Teal Health plans to offer financial assistance programs for uninsured women.

Teal’s introduction of this at-home cervical cancer screening aims to bridge the gap in access to regular screenings, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. With the potential for this technology to become a standard option in preventive health care, Teal Health hopes to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in future generations.