4.4.2.6 Oral Swabs

Inspect the oral cavity first, documenting any injuries.

Photograph noted injuries.

If oral penetration is reported or suspected, swab the gum line, the margin between the gums and cheek, the crevices between the teeth and under the tongue with the cotton-tipped swabs provided in the ‘Oral Swabs’ envelope.

Do one swab at a time. Use the entire surface of each cotton-tipped swab to maximize the amount of sample collected.

Mark the first swab obtained with a black marker on the distal, wooden portion of the swab stick.

Place the four swabs in a stable stand, and let them air-dry. Once dried, place all four swabs back into the pre-labeled ‘Oral Swabs’ envelope.