LAB TEST
Buccal smear
A buccal (pronounced "buckle") smear is the painless removal of a sample of cells from the inside of your mouth (cheek) for study.
How the Test is Performed
Your health care provider will gently scrape the inside of the cheek with a small spatula to collect cells for testing. Sometimes, you can do this yourself.
How to Prepare for the Test
Follow the collection instructions as directed by your provider.
How the Test will Feel
You will feel a scraping sensation as cells are removed from the cheek.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to get cells for chromosome or DNA analysis, most often for genetic testing. This test may also help establish sexual identity. When the test is used in this way, it's called the sex chromatin test.
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Roy S. Molecular anatomic pathology: principles, techniques, and application to immunohistologic diagnosis. In: Dabbs DJ, ed. Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 24.
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 24/04/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.