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This video will demonstrate how to collect a buccal swab for the detection of mumps virus.
Buccal swabs are the preferred sample for confirmation of mumps infection since viral detection
assays such as RT-PCR are more sensitive and specific than serologic assays to detect IgM.
Ideally a buccal swab should be collected 1 to 3 days after symptom onset but may be
but may be collected up to 5 days after symptom onset. The buccal cavity is located near
the upper rear molars between the cheek and the teeth. When you look inside the mouth
you may be able to see a raised area of tissue that represents the Stensen's duct, which is a
a small tube that connects the parotid salivary gland to the oral cavity. Saliva that is
produced in the parotid gland flows through the Stensen's duct into the mouth. The parotid
gland is located in front of and just below the earlobe at the angle of the jaw. To begin
collecting a buccal swab the parotid gland is massaged firmly for 30 seconds. Massage is most
often painless except in cases where the patient has parotitis, or inflamation of the parotid
gland. And in that case, there may be some mild discomfort. Massaging the parotid is
important to obtain the best sample for processing. The supplies needed to collect a
buccal swab include: a flocked swab, preferably synthetic, and a tube of viral transport
medium, or VTM, and eye, nose, and mouth protection. A tongue blade and pen light may be used
to locate the Stensen's duct. Explain to the seated patient the importance of collecting a
buccal swab to test for the mumps virus. Instruct the patient to open her mouth.
Locate the Stensen's duct on both sides, using a tongue blade.
Instruct the patient to close her mouth. Press and firmly massage the parotid gland for
30 seconds.
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Put on gloves.
Sweep the swab between the cheek and gum near the upper molar to the lower molar area across the
duct, for 10 to 15 seconds, turning the swab while sweeping. Sweep both sides.
Uncap the tube. Insert the swab in at least 2 milliliters of viral transport medium.
Break off the handle of the swab. Discard the handle of the swab. Cap the tube. Leaving the
tip of the swab in the tube.
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Label the sample.
If the sample is shipped within 24 hours of collection, refrigerate at 4 degrees Celsius, which is
39 degrees Fahrenheit. Ship the sample to the laboratory on cold packs. If the sample is shipped more than 24
hours after collection, freeze at minus 70 degrees Celsius, which is minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Ship the sample to the laboratory on dry
ice. For more information on collecting and shipping specimens vist this CDC web page