Editing Barr body (section)

=== 1955 - Development of the Buccal Smear Test ===
In 1955, Barr, in collaboration with [[Keith L. Moore|K.L. Moore]], developed the [[Buccal smear|buccal smear test]], a non-invasive method for collecting epithelial cells from the inner lining of the mouth.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Buccal smear - illustration: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image |url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9140.htm#:~:text=A%20buccal%20smear%20is%20a,a%20normal%20female%20sex%20chromosome). |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=medlineplus.gov |language=en}}</ref> This technique allowed the detection of Barr bodies in somatic cells and provided a simple tool for identifying chromosomal abnormalities, such as those seen in Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. The test became widely used in the mid-20th century and was among the earliest tools for determining chromosomal sex in clinical and research contexts.<ref name=":7" />