Cheek/Buccal Swab Instructions
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure an accurate result:
- First, ensure that you have not eaten, drank, or smoked within the last 30 minutes before collecting the sample, as this can affect the quality of the sample.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a clean towel or air dry.
- Prepare your workspace by laying out the buccal swab kit, which should include sterile swabs and a biohazard bag.
- Open the sterile swab package without touching the tip of the swab. Hold the swab by the handle, making sure not to touch the soft, cotton tip.
- Open your mouth wide, and gently but firmly rub the soft cotton tip of the swab against the inside of your cheek for 30 seconds. Make sure to cover the entire cheek area, including the upper and lower parts.
- Repeat the process on the other cheek with a new sterile swab to ensure a sufficient sample is collected.
- After swabbing both cheeks, carefully insert each back into its original packaging.
- Place the swabs into the provided biohazard bag with desiccant packet and seal the bag.
- Complete any required paperwork or labels, making sure to include your name, date of birth, and the date the sample was collected.
- Place in prepaid shipping package.