Samples collected from the buccal mucosa (i.e., inside of the cheek) using a sterile, cotton-, foam-, or flocked-tipped swab. The sample is often referred to as a reference sample or elimination sample. The sample is obtained by rubbing the sterile swab(s) on the buccal mucosa (time recommendations vary; most common range is 5 seconds to 15 seconds) with pressure similar to that of brushing teeth.

Synonyms: buccal swab collection