Samples collected specifically from the oral cavity using a cotton-tipped applicator (swab) or other type of collection device (e.g., rayon or synthetic foam swabs) by rubbing a sterile swab on the surface to collect cells or substances for various types of forensic or medical analysis. Differentiated from other collected samples as it delineates the sample as being collected from the oral cavity. Differs from a buccal swab, which refers to the collection of epithelial cells from the buccal mucosa for DNA analysis.
The contents of this glossary is funded in part through a sub-award from RTI as the lead partner for the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence through a Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Justice (2011-DN-BX-K564 and 2016-MU-BK-K110), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies and any services or tools provided).