Before you start

Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum. Rinse with water if in doubt. Wash and dry your hands, and do not touch the swab tip.

The technique

  1. Open one swab at a time.
  2. Rub the tip firmly against the inside of the cheek for about 30 seconds, rotating as you go.
  3. Use a fresh swab for the other cheek.
  4. Air dry the swabs as instructed before sealing.

Keep donors separate

Label each donor's envelope immediately and never let swabs from different people touch. Mixing is the most common reason a collection must be repeated.

For infants

Feed at least 30 minutes beforehand and use gentle, steady pressure. Cheek swabbing is painless.

Legal and official tests must be collected by a trained collector, not at home.