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.

A buccal (Pronunciation ) swab is a specialized applicator with a sponge or Dacron tip, which is rubbed on the inside of the check to collect epithelial cells. This procedure is noninvasive and pain free.

Yes, the testing is just as accurate. The DNA in a person's blood sample is the same as the DNA in a person's skin cells that are collected from inside the mouth. This sample is obtained by use of a soft cotton swab that is rubbed on the inside of the mouth (a "buccal swab").

Since DNA is the same in every cell of the human body, the accuracy of testing performed on cheek cells utilizing the Buccal Swab is the same as an actual blood sample. We believe this non-invasive and painless procedure is the best method for collecting a DNA sample.

Our laboratory has a forensics testing division which specializes in forensic testing. Forensic samples which can be tested include but are not limited to: blood stains, saliva stains, hair with roots, bone, teeth, urine, razor shavings, etc. Click on this link to read more about our forensic testing services.

Genetic Professionals’ DNA paternity test is fast, simple, and painless. DNA is collected using special swabs that are like cotton tips. Gently rub the inner cheek with the swab to collect DNA samples. Buccal swabs are painless and can be used to collect samples from individuals at any age, even newborns. Yes, we can send our DNA collection kits to all tested parties at different locations if an in-home paternity test is ordered from Genetic Professionals.

A mouth swab looks like a long cotton wool bud. It is used to collect cheek cells from the inside of your mouth. DNA is consistent throughout the body, so the DNA in cheeks cells is identical to the DNA in blood cells. The mouth swab allows for non-invasive and painless collection of DNA. (top of page)

All cells contain the same genetic material; hence results obtained by buccal swab samples are just as accurate as using blood.

Yes. Buccal swab samples contain the same DNA as blood samples and will therefore produce the same paternity test results. Buccal swabbing is our primary sample collection method because it is a simple and painless procedure. In addition, buccal swabs are particularly preferable over blood samples for persons who have had recent blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants-their blood samples may contain DNA from the donors.

No, DNA test results are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of a person's body. We use the most readily available source of DNA for paternity testing. The DNA we use is located inside the mouth, buccal cells. Every cell in body, except for red blood cells, contains the same DNA. Red bloods do not contain DNA. All DNA containing cells, including cells from buccal swabs, hair follicles and urine specimens, are suitable specimens for DNA analysis (1-3).

A nasal swab involves placing a swab inside the nostrils and taking a culture. The CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services do not recommend the use of nasal swab testing by clinicians to determine whether a person has been exposed to Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria responsible for anthrax, or as a means of diagnosing anthrax. At best, a positive result may be interpreted only to indicate exposure; a negative result does not exclude the possibility of exposure.

exclusion (the alleged father is not the biological father) is possible, however the probability of inclusion (the alleged father is the biological father) is far less accurate than DNA testing, as many people can share the same blood group, whereas the probability of two people sharing the same DNA profile approaches zero.

A group of tests that are important for diagnosing lupus will be performed. The results of these tests (serology) will be sent to you if you choose to receive them. The DNA in your blood will be analyzed to determine which genes may be involved in lupus and to address other scientific questions about lupus as they arise. A permanent cell line will be established and this cell line may be used for other approved lupus research at a later time.

You can give blood every 56 days (8 weeks). Every time you donate, you will have to meet the same criteria as you did before, and pass the medical examination.

A very good suggestions is to send a care package a few days before R-Day - that way your Swab will have something immediately but they don't have to carry it. Or, if you can, drop it off at the CGA post office on R-day! Use US Postal Service Flat Rate Priority Mail envelopes and boxes or UPS, FedEx, etc. Use the following official cadet address:

Each cadet will have an account at Navy Federal Credit Union. <http://www.navyfcu.org>. We suggest you drop by there on R-Day (located on the first floor of Johnson Hall below the exchange) and pick up some deposit slips. When your cadet tells you their account number it will be a simple matter to send money directly to the cadet's account saving precious time. Address (printed on slip):

Once your cadet is sworn in, he/she is a member of the Coast Guard and has health care benefits as such. However, the Cadet Handbook specifically states that the Academy recommends that parents keep existing health care insurance until graduation from the Academy.

Many insurance companies allow an occasional driver such as a college student who is not home often to be carried on a policy without additional charge. Check with your particular company for details.

A blood allie is a family or union that is closely associated with your family or union. You act almost as one, but yet you are individual and run things your own way. An Allie is simply a family or union that is there to help you with certain issues if needed but doesnt necessarily get involved with all of your actions. A NAP is a No Attack Policy. This for a family or union that your family or union have agreed not to attack and in return they cannot attack you.

Yes. And you may receive letters from them! Some will write, others won't. They have time set aside for this, but some Cadets are either too exhausted to spend that time writing, do not have anything to say, or are simply not letter writers. Do not be disappointed if you do not get a lot of correspondence. For some, Swab Summer is tough. It is exhausting and frustrating. You may get some unusual letters. Some may be reflective, melancholic, frustrated, angry, or hysterical.