How the BrushTest™ Works

BrushTest Kit:

All of the materials needed to perform the BrushTest are supplied in a kit.

What it’s for:

The BrushTest is indicated to test the common, small, harmless-appearing white or red tissue spots that you see at least several times each week.

Doing a BrushTest:

Please note: While the following information provides guidance on how to obtain an adequate BrushTest specimen, the OralCDx BrushTest is “fail-safe”. This means that if you do not obtain a complete specimen on initial testing, this cannot harm the patient since incomplete specimens are detected by the OralCDx laboratory and the BrushTest can be repeated at a future appointment.
 The BrushTest does not require topical or local anesthetic, although local or a non-viscous topical anesthetic may be used if desired. The brush biopsy instrument captures cells and cell clusters from all layers of the epithelium under the oral spot being tested. Use the side or the end of the brush and rotate firmly (most cases, 5-15 rotations are sufficient) until pin-point bleeding is observed.

For thick spots:

Brush firmly and repeatedly (may require 15 or 20 rotations) over the center as well as at the periphery of the spot.

For ulcerated spots:  

Brush only the periphery, since the epithelium overlying the ulcer is absent.

Hard palate and attached gingiva:

These keratinized locations requiring extra rotations and firmer pressure.

Transferring the sample:

Transfer cells directly from the brush to the slide rotating the brush over the entire length of the slide.

Apply fixative:

Open the envelope that contains the fixative and apply directly to the entire slide.

Finishing up:

Let the slide dry for approximately 15-20 minutes and then place it into the plastic container.

The test form:

Each test kit contains a test requisition form that is easy to complete and provides patient history, insurance and the clinical description of the spot.



Mailing the sample to the lab:

The slide holder and the test requisition form are returned to OralCDx Laboratories by mail in the convenient pre-paid box.









At the laboratory:

Analysis is aided with a highly specialized neural network-based image processing system specifically designed to help detect even the fewest oral precancerous and cancerous cells scattered among thousands of normal cells. The computer does not make the diagnosis.

The diagnosis:

Our specially-trained pathologists utilize both computer and standard microscopic evaluation to make the final diagnosis.

Results faxed to dentists:

1) “Negative” - no evidence of precancerous or cancerous activity in the specimen.



 2) “Atypical” - contains abnormal cells and may indicate a precancerous spot. Contact the laboratory for further guidance.



3) “Positive” - dysplastic cells present indicating an oral precancerous or cancerous lesion.

Retest the Patient:

An “incomplete” sample does not contain cells from all epithelial layers. Incomplete specimens most commonly result from either insufficient pressure or too few rotations of the brush. The patient should be retested and the laboratory does not charge for the first BrushTest submission.

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