WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators have permitted the primary cervical most cancers testing equipment that permits girls to gather their very own pattern at dwelling earlier than transport it to a laboratory, in accordance with a medical gadget firm.
Teal Well being stated Friday the Meals and Drug Administration permitted its Teal Wand for dwelling use, providing a brand new method to gather vaginal samples that may detect the HPV virus that causes cervical most cancers. Presently, HPV assessments and Pap smears are carried out at a well being clinic or physician’s workplace.
An influential federal panel beneficial final 12 months using self-collection of HPV samples to spice up screening. The FDA additionally just lately expanded using two older HPV assessments for self-collection, however these should be finished at a medical workplace or cell clinic.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is quite common and is unfold via intercourse. Most HPV infections clear up on their very own, however persistent an infection can result in most cancers of the cervix. Most cervical cancers happen in girls who’re inadequately screened, recognized or handled.
To gather a pattern, a swab or brush is inserted into the vagina and rotated, then the swab is put right into a tube or container and processed at a lab.
Teal Well being’s equipment requires a prescription, which prospects can acquire via one of many firm’s on-line well being suppliers. The San Francisco-based firm stated it can initially starting promoting the kits in California subsequent month earlier than increasing to different states. The corporate additionally stated it’s working with insurers on well being protection for the take a look at.
The Related Press Well being and Science Division receives assist from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Instructional Media Group and the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis. The AP is solely answerable for all content material.
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