How are buccal samples collected?
The Department of Justice provides a standard DNA collection kit to all local and state law enforcement agencies at no cost to the agencies. A new kit, including new plastic gloves for handling the collector, is used for each DNA sample collection. The kit requires local agency personnel to: • identify the subject; • determine that a DNA sample needs to be collected; • fill out a Specimen Information Card; • collect the right thumbprint and signature of the person the sample is being collected from; • observe the subject collecting the inner check (buccal) cell sample himself or herself. (In this procedure, the qualifying offender places the soft applicator stick in his or her own mouth and gently drags the collector against the inner cheek lining, in a movement somewhat akin to lightly brushing one’s teeth.) • place the sample in a sealed specimen pouch. The agent then places the pouch containing the specimen and specimen identification card into the kits return envelope and mails the
