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.

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

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

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

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.

There are no risks associated with the buccal smear.