Buccal Swab
The term ‘Buccal swab’ derives from the Latin, ‘Bucca’, meaning cheek. A Buccal swab, therefore, refers to a DNA collection process involving cells taken from the cheek (from the inside mouth area).
A Buccal Swab forms part of a DNA collection kit. It looks like a cotton bud (used for personal hygiene purposes – cosmetics, ear cleaning, etc.) However, there is only a cotton swab at one end and the stem part is much longer (to accommodate the ‘reach’ needed to obtain a sample).
Buccal Swabs are sterile, they are produced for medical use, and unless you are allergic to cotton, they should not cause an irritation. An advantage of a Buccal swab is that it allows you to take a DNA sample in a non invasive way (as opposed to a blood test).
Buccal swabs should be taken when your mouth is empty. It is best if you swallow first, then swab the inside of your cheek for approximately 30 seconds (pressing as hard as you would if you were brushing your teeth). If you are required to provide more than one Buccal Swab sample, then you should swab the other side of your mouth for the second test, to ensure that enough cells can be collected.
Having a cold should not cause contaminationor interferences, to your Buccal Swab Sample for DNA testing.
In order to preserve an essential sterile test environment, ensure that your Buccal Swab cotton bud sample is not placed on a table (or any other surface), or is allowed to fall on to the floor.
