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FDA approves at-home pap smear alternative device for cervical cancer screening

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new device called the Teal Wand, which its creator describes as an "at-home vaginal sample self-collection device for cervical cancer screening."

It could be especially useful for women who find pap smears uncomfortable, painful and even traumatic, as well as for those who may not have time to go to a doctor or have disabilities preventing them from traveling to consult one. Since the user isn't scraping cells from their cervix like what's done with a speculum during pap smears, there are no samples to analyze for abnormality under a microscope. The company also intends to work with donors to subsidize costs for people without insurance, as well as to offer flexible payment options.

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