Is using the Teal Wand the same as going to the doctor for my screening?

Yes. The lab uses the same FDA-approved primary HPV test as the doctor’s office when testing your vaginal sample collected with the Teal Wand - it is simply a different way of collecting the sample. Primary HPV testing is the most sensitive screening test for cervical cancer, and is recommended by the leading guidelines, American Cancer Society and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

While we might still refer to the cervical cancer screening as the 'Pap smear' or 'Pap test,' almost all doctors are using HPV testing, and primary HPV, which is what your Teal Wand sample is tested with, is the recommended way to screen. You can learn more on our website.