Thank you for choosing to donate an oral swab to the Australian Human Microbiome Biobank (AHMB)! By contributing your sample, you’re helping researchers better understand how the microbes in our mouths affect everything from gut health to mental wellbeing. Your donation is incredibly valuable—and we really appreciate it.
The whole process is quick and simple, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to make sure your sample is collected correctly.
Why Oral Samples Matter (and How to Get Ready)
Your mouth is home to a vibrant and complex community of bacteria known as the oral microbiome. These microbes don’t just live on your tongue and teeth—they play important roles in digestion, immunity and overall health.
By donating your oral sample, you’re contributing to valuable research that could help improve how we diagnose, prevent and treat a wide range of health conditions. Your swab has the potential to make a big impact!
To help us get the most accurate sample possible, please remember:
Avoid eating, drinking (even water), smoking, chewing gum or brushing your teeth for at least two hours before your donation.
This ensures we’re capturing a clear snapshot of your natural oral microbiome, without interference from food or other factors.
On-Site Donations
At the AHMB, on-site donation is our standard practice. Donating your oral sample at our facility within the Translational Research Institute in Woolloongabba ensures your sample is processed quickly and under optimal conditions that preserve the natural balance of your oral microbiome.
The mouth is home to a diverse and sensitive microbial community that can shift rapidly when exposed to air, temperature changes, or delays in processing. By collecting your oral swab on-site, we’re able to stabilise your sample immediately—protecting its integrity and ensuring it accurately reflects the microbes living in your mouth at the time of collection. This helps us get the most reliable and meaningful data for microbiome research.
What’s in Your Collection Kit?
Here’s what you’ll find inside your kit:
- 1 x sterile swab and 1 x tube with a small amount of liquid (sealed in a packet)
- 1 x clear plastic bag with a QR code attached
Be sure everything is there before getting started!
How to Collect Your Sample
Step 1: Get Set Up
Open the pouch and find the tube with the liquid inside. Set it on a clean surface—you’ll come back to it soon.
Step 2: Open the Swab
Carefully remove the swab by the handle. Be sure not to touch the soft tip or any part below the coloured line—this keeps your sample clean and usable.
If the tip touches anything (including your hands), or if you drop it, that’s okay! Just let us know and we can grab you a new one!
Step 3: Collect the Sample
Gently rub the swab on the inside of both cheeks, your gums, and under the tongue for about 30 seconds. Rotate the swab as you go to collect a good sample from multiple areas inside the mouth.
Step 4: Secure the Swab in the Tube
Unscrew the cap from the tube with the stabilising liquid. Insert the swab into the tube and snap the stick at the marked break point so the tip stays inside. Discard the handle.
Step 5: Seal It Up
Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leaks. Throw away the swab handle and wrapper, then place the sealed tube into the small clear bag with the QR code. Place into the AHMB tote bag and hand it back to the staff member helping you.
Step 6: Finish with the Questionnaires
Check your email and complete the two quick questionnaires we sent you. These give us important background information that helps make your sample even more valuable for research.
A Few Helpful Tips
-
Don’t eat, drink, smoke or brush your teeth for at least 2 hous before collecting your swab.
-
Wash your hands before and after the process.
-
If you feel unsure at any point, take a moment to re-read the instructions.
-
If your swab touches anything it shouldn’t, just let us know and we’ll replace it—no stress.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you’re feeling unsure or just want to double-check something, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email our team anytime at admin@ahmb.com.au.
Thanks again for being part of this exciting research. Every sample brings us one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the human microbiome—and we couldn’t do it without you!
If you haven’t already, and you’re interested in becoming a donor, please visit Get Involved to register.
Stay tuned for updates as we expand the AHMB by following our LinkedIn, X or Bluesky.