Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory
Date of this Version
November 2002
Abstract
A new procedure is described by which to obtain buccal samples from preschool children for research investigations that include genotyping. Called the "Lollipop Tasting Game", the procedure involves three mason jars which were filled about halfway with water. Granulated sugar was added to each jar to make a noticeably sweet solution. Red food coloring was added to the first jar, a small bit of reconstituted lemon juice and yellow food coloring were added to the second jar, and finally, a bit of vanilla and blue food coloring were added to the last jar. The examiner dips cotton swabs in the solutions under the pretense that they were lollipops, and the child is then asked to taste all three. Using this procedure, complete buccal samples were obtained from 93% of the preschool children tested.