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Buccal smear
Sex chromatin test; Buccal swab
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
The 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
Rinse and wash the mouth as instructed.
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.
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Buccal smear. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap B.
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Throat anatomy - illustration
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Throat anatomy
illustration
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Buccal smear - illustration
A buccal smear is a test where cells are taken from the cheek. Cells are collected by scraping the cheek with a spatula. The cells are then placed on a slide and the sample is taken to the laboratory for evaluation. The cells are evaluated for the presence of Barr bodies (a mass seen in a normal female sex chromosome). The buccal smear test can confirm whether the patient is a male or female.
Buccal smear
illustration
-
Throat anatomy - illustration
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Throat anatomy
illustration
-
Buccal smear - illustration
A buccal smear is a test where cells are taken from the cheek. Cells are collected by scraping the cheek with a spatula. The cells are then placed on a slide and the sample is taken to the laboratory for evaluation. The cells are evaluated for the presence of Barr bodies (a mass seen in a normal female sex chromosome). The buccal smear test can confirm whether the patient is a male or female.
Buccal smear
illustration
Review Date: 4/20/2015
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
