For buccal swabs, what is the recommended short-term storage condition?

The recommended short-term storage condition for buccal swabs is temperature-controlled storage. This option is advisable because it allows for the preservation of DNA and other biological materials collected from the buccal swabs. Temperature control is crucial to prevent degradation of the samples, which can occur at variable temperatures. By maintaining a consistent environment, the integrity of the genetic material is more likely to be preserved until further analysis can be conducted.

Storage conditions that are too cold, such as frozen or refrigerated, may lead to damage or alterations in the biological samples, while room temperature might encourage the growth of microorganisms that can degrade the integrity of the swab. Therefore, a temperature-controlled environment strikes the best balance for keeping buccal swabs viable for analysis in the short term.