How to Take a Buccal Swab (Cheek Swab)
What is a buccal swab?
A buccal swab is a quick and painless way to collect cells from the inner cheek using a soft swab (similar to a cotton bud). The sample contains DNA used for:
- Genetic testing
- Carrier screening
- Paternity testing
- Diagnostic tests for inherited conditions
✅ Before you begin:
To ensure an accurate sample, please follow these instructions carefully.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth or use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes before taking your sample.
What you’ll need:
- 1 or more sterile buccal swabs (provided in your test kit)
- Sample collection envelope or tube
- Labels (if provided)
- Clean hands
Step-by-step instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry with a clean towel.
- Open the swab packet carefully by the handle end. Do not touch the soft tip of the swab.
- Stand or sit comfortably. Tilt your head slightly back and open your mouth.
- Rub the swab firmly against the inside of one cheek (between cheek and gum) using a rolling motion for 30–60 seconds. Aim to collect as many cheek cells as possible — not just saliva.
- Repeat with a new swab on the other cheek, if your kit requires multiple samples. Never use the same swab twice.
- Allow the swab to air dry for at least 5 minutes, if advised by the testing company or lab instructions.
- Place the swab into the container or envelope as directed. Do not reseal the swab into the original wrapper.
- Label the sample with your full name, date of birth, and date/time of collection, if labels are not pre-printed.
- Wash your hands again.
⚠️ Tips and precautions:
- Do not touch the swab tip or allow it to touch any surface.
- Avoid contamination — only collect one person’s sample per swab.
- If taking swabs from a baby or young child, wait at least 30 minutes after feeding or giving milk.
- If the swab becomes contaminated or dropped, discard it and use a new one.
Returning your sample:
- Follow the packaging and return instructions provided by the test provider or clinic.
- Ensure all sections of the consent form (if included) are completed and enclosed.
UK References:
- NHS Genomic Medicine Service: https://www.england.nhs.uk/genomics/
- UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) standards for medical laboratories
- Department of Health & Social Care. Code of Practice and Guidance on Genetic Paternity Testing (UK GOV 2015)