A gadget used to gather DNA samples. Swabs have been used for years in the field of medicine to collect various tissues samples for different types of tests. With advances in the field of genetic testing, oral swabs or mouth swabs have developed which are the standard means for DNA sampling. A mouth swab is very much like cotton bud, which is of course sterile. It is rubbed on the mouth against the cheeks and under the tongue. The swab is then sent back to be tested by the DNA testing company that supplied the DNA testing kit. Unlike traditional blood draws which can be tedious and uncomfortable, the mouth swab, or buccal swab, is easy and can be self administered. More information about these swabs can be found on our Sample Collection guide.