Hyderabad hosts “Pink Picnic” event for women, families, survivors and doctors.
HYDERABAD, Oct 26 (The CONNECT) – IOTA Diagnostic, in partnership with KIMS Hospitals, Gachibowli, has launched the M-Strip, a simple Do-It-Yourself cervical cancer screening test that women can use at home with their regular menstrual pad. The launch was part of KIMS’ “Pink Picnic” cancer awareness event attended by over 600 women, families, survivors and doctors.
Cervical cancer causes over 77,300 deaths in India every year, yet very few women get screened due to discomfort, stigma or difficulty accessing tests. The M-Strip makes screening easy, private and non-invasive, helping more women detect risks early.
The test works by collecting a small amount of menstrual blood on a special strip placed inside a normal sanitary pad. The sample is then picked up from home and tested for high-risk HPV, the virus responsible for more than 90% of cervical cancer cases. Results are shared confidentially within a few days.
The M-Strip uses IOTA’s patented dried matrix technology, which keeps samples safe without refrigeration. It has been clinically validated, tested in NABL labs, and approved by the CDSCO. Early screening results show that 11% of women tested were carrying high-risk HPV, allowing timely medical follow-up.
The test kits will be available at KIMS Hospitals-Gachibowli and also online through IOTA’s platform with doorstep delivery and pick-up.
The innovation has been endorsed by Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda and recognized internationally for its public health impact.
Vaibhav Shitole, Founder & CEO, IOTA Diagnostic, said:
“M-Strip is about dignity and access. Every woman should be able to screen herself easily at home.”
Dr. Somesh Chandra, Innovator of M-Strip, said:
“This follows WHO’s recommendation for HPV testing. Self-sampling makes screening simpler.”
Dr. Bhavya Bayana, Women’s Cancer Expert, KIMS Hospitals-Gachibowli, added:
“This innovation removes the hesitation and barriers many women face. Screening can now become routine.”
