Once you use the Teal Wand to collect your vaginal sample, the sponge will most often be white in color (the same as it was before collecting) but it will now have your sample on it. There is a clear plastic stick that helps keep the sponge secured in the Wand – when you remove the sponge from the Wand, this stick will be attached to it.
In some cases, the sponge may have some blood on it after you have collected. This can be normal, especially if you are nearing your period, or for women who are near or post-menopause as the blood vessels and tissue in your vagina can change during these life stages. Just continue to follow the instructions to mail your sample to the lab.
If you do spot or have light bleeding after using the Teal Wand, it should resolve within a day or two. However, if you have bleeding in between your periods or experience heavy bleeding (i.e., needing to change a pad every hour or more), please make an appointment with a provider for an in-person exam as soon as possible, as this could be a sign of other medical conditions.
If you need support making this in-person appointment, you can contact a Teal medical provider through your portal, and we can help find you a local provider.