Buccal Smear
Alternate Names : Sex Chromatin Test
Definition A buccal smear is a painless test in which cells are taken from the tongue and evaluated for the presence of Barr bodies (a type of mass seen in normal female sex chromosomes).
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Why is the Test Performed?
In the past, this test was used to indicate:
- Abnormal sexual development
- Ambiguous genitalia
- Amenorrhea
- Suspected chromosomal abnormalities
Today, a health care provider who suspects any of these abnormalities is most likely to perform a full chromosome analysis (called karyotyping) rather than a buccal smear. The buccal smear is primarily used in the Olympic Games or other sporting events if the authorities believe a man is trying to compete as a woman.
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