buccal smear


buc·cal smear

a cytologic smear containing material obtained by scraping the lateral buccal mucosa above the dentate line, smearing, and fixing immediately; used principally for determining somatic sex as indicated by the presence of the sex chromocenter (Barr body).

buccal smear

A convenient way to obtain cells for chromosomal and other studies and to obtain a sample of DNA. The inside of the cheek is gently scraped with a spatula and the cells spread on a glass slide.

buc·cal smear

(bŭkăl smēr) Cytologic smear containing material obtained by scraping the lateral buccal mucosa above the dentate line, smearing, and fixing immediately; used principally for determining somatic sex as indicated by the presence of the sex chromocenter (Barr body).