Buccal Swab | DNA Testing Glossary
A buccal swab is a method of collecting DNA by rubbing a soft-tipped swab against the inside of a person's cheek. The swab picks up epithelial cells that line the mouth, which contain enough DNA for laboratory analysis. Buccal swab collection is painless, non-invasive, and takes less than a minute, which is why it has become the standard collection method for DNA relationship testing. It replaced blood draws for most relationship testing purposes because the DNA obtained from cheek cells is just as reliable. When you order a home DNA test kit from US Diagnostics Center, the kit includes buccal swabs and instructions for each participant.
Related Terms
DNA Extraction, Home DNA Test, Reference Sample, DNA Profile, Chain of Custody
