What is the difference between a buccal swab and blood?
A buccal swab is like a larger, more durable Q-Tip. It is rubbed against the inside cheek to gather loose cheek cells. It has become the standard sample collection method for DNA testing because it is safe and painless. DNA is the same in all cells of the body; thus test results are the same regardless of whether the sample is from buccal swabs or blood.
Related Questions
- Does the buccal cheek swab DNA analysis provide the same information as with blood sample or other body parts? A cheek swab collection is easy but is it the best DNA sample?
- Do you prefer a blood specimen over a buccal swab or saliva specimen? Is there any difference?
- What is the difference between blood and buccal swab test, and results?
