MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Buccal smear

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Buccal smear

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed	How to Prepare for the Test How the Test Will Feel Why the Test is Performed Risks

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Buccal smear

Alternative Names Return to top

Sex chromatin test

Definition Return to top

A buccal smear (pronounced "buckle") is the painless removal of a sample of cells from the lining of the mouth (inside of the cheek) for study.

How the Test is Performed Return to top

The health care provider will gently scrape the inside of the cheek with a small spatula to collect cells for testing.

How to Prepare for the Test Return to top

Rinse, wash and swab the mouth as instructed for the particular test ordered.

How the Test Will Feel Return to top

You will feel a scraping sensation as cells are removed from the cheek.

Why the Test is Performed Return to top

This procedure is used to obtain cells for DNA and chromosome testing for several genetic disorders. It can be used for rapid analysis in the newborn to determine gender or chromosomal abnormalities.

Risks Return to top

There are no risks associated with the buccal smear.

Update Date: 12/11/2006

Updated by: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.