How to conduct a swab test?

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a swab test for registering as a potential blood stem cell donor. It explains how to properly collect tissue cells from your mouth using a do-it-yourself swab kit, ensuring no saliva is included. The process involves swabbing the inner walls of your cheeks and gums for 60 seconds using three swabs. The video also covers the packaging of the swabs, labeling, and mailing instructions. By completing this process, you may help save a life through blood stem cell donation.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Register as a potential blood stem cell donor on the organization's website.
• 💌 Receive a do-it-yourself swab kit for genetic typing.
• 👄 The swab kit collects tissue cells from the mouth to find a match for patients in need.
• 🔍 Open the swab kit carefully and avoid touching the swab tips.
• 💧 Ensure your mouth is dry before starting the swabbing process.
• 🕒 Swab each cheek and gum lining for 60 seconds with comfortable pressure.
• 🔄 Rotate the swab stick and use circular motions to collect cells.
• 📦 Air dry the swabs for five minutes before packaging.
• 🏷 Attach the barcode label to the consent form and place it in the prepaid envelope.
• ✍️ Review and sign the consent form before mailing.
• 🚀 Drop off the package at the nearest post office to contribute to saving a life.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the swab test in this process?

The purpose of the swab test is to obtain tissue cells from your mouth for genetic typing, with the hope of matching you to a patient in need of a blood stem cell donation.

How do I obtain a swab kit?

You can obtain a swab kit by registering on the organization's website and filling out an online registration form. They will then send you a do-it-yourself swab kit.

What should I avoid doing when handling the swab sticks?

You should avoid touching the swab tips with your fingers and ensure the tips do not come into contact with any surfaces to prevent contamination.

What preparation is required before swabbing your mouth?

Before swabbing, you should swallow excess saliva to make your mouth dry and keep your mouth open during the swabbing process.

How should the swab be used to collect tissue cells?

Swab the inner walls of both cheeks and the gum lining of your upper and lower jaw for 60 seconds each. Use firm, circular motions with comfortable pressure while rotating the swab stick.

How many swab sticks should be used, and for how long?

Three swab sticks should be used, and each should be used for 60 seconds.

What should you do after completing the swab process?

After completing the swab process, air dry the swabs for five minutes before placing them securely in the provided envelope without the plastic packaging.

What is the purpose of the barcode labels provided in the swab kit?

The barcode labels are used to identify your swab samples. You should place one label on the front of the envelope, and the second label is provided as a backup in case the first gets damaged.

What additional steps are needed before sending the swabs back?

You need to review and sign the consent form, then place the signed form and swabs into the prepaid postage envelope.

How do you send the swab kit back after completing the process?

Once everything is packed and labeled, you can drop the prepaid postage envelope at your nearest post box or post office.