How can I collect an oral/buccal swab sample?
• • Using a sterile cotton swab rub the inside surfaces of the cheeks thoroughly. • Air-dry the swabs and place in clean paper or an envelope with sealed corners. Do not use plastic containers. • Identify each sample with the date, time, subject’s name, location, collector’s name, case number, and evidence number. • If appropriately allowed to dry, buccal samples do not need to be refrigerated. • How do I collect a liquid saliva sample? • Absorb suspected liquid saliva onto a clean cotton cloth or swab. • Leave a portion of the cloth unstained as a control. • Air-dry the cloth or swab and pack in clean paper or an envelope with sealed corners. Do not use plastic containers. • Submit suspected small, dry saliva-stained objects to the Laboratory. • Pack in clean paper or an envelope with sealed corners. Do not use plastic containers. • When possible, cut a large sample of suspected saliva stains from immovable objects with a clean, sharp instrument. Collect an unstained control sample. P
