How to Collect a Buccal Swab Sample for

Paternity testing can be done with a number of DNA samples, for example, blood, semen or nail clippings. However, the standard sample is a saliva sample collected using an oral or buccal mouth swab.

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Buccal Swab Collection Procedure

This is the procedure that you should know when ordering a standard DNA test:

  1. Rinse your mouth
  2. Insert the swab into your mouth and rub it inside your cheek about one minute
  3. The buccal swab sample should have an excess of saliva so rub it up and back from the inner cheek
  4. Remove the swab and let it dry, you can let it dry in a glass with the cotton facing up
  5. Once dried place the cotton swab into the envelope

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Buccal swabs when doing a DNA test

Is often misleading the term of saliva DNA sample in paternity testing, in fact, the sample should not contain much saliva.

You have cheek cell lining the entire mouth so when friction is created with the oral swab, these cheeks are easily rubbed away.

So yes, in the end you do collect lots of saliva but saliva is not used for the DNA test as there is no DNA in spit. However, the cheek cells collected have lots of (DNA) in their nucleus.

Scientists have a procedure for DNA testing known as PCR which they use for extracting DNA in paternity tests and many other types of DNA testing.

How do you swab your mouth?

It is extremely important no to touch the cotton area of the swab, grab the saw between your thumb and forefinger and insert it inside the cheek.

Press against the cheek and upper gum and rub and rotate the buccal swab sample between 30 seconds to 1 minute, the longer the more chances you have to have the necessary DNA

bucccal oral swab

Can you build a buccal swab sample?

You can build a buccal swab sample but it is not recommended either need it. Your DNA test company will send you a kit sample at your home free of cost.

If you want to have some fun, you can build an oral swab sample kit but the laboratory will not accept those as an approved sample.

What does contain a buccal smear sample?

  • 2 cotton swabs sterilized
  • Consent form
  • Gloves
  • Envelopes
  • Instructions

What other options are if you cannot do a buccal swab collection procedure

If you cannot take a sample with an oral swab, then you can consider other options for your DNA test for paternity, such as using a bloodstain or cigarette ends.

However, you will need to be careful here as not all samples are ideal for extracting DNA. Some DNA sample provides very low chances of extracting a DNA profile to complete paternity testing.

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