Why minimally invasive skin sampling techniques? A bright scientific future.
BACKGROUND
There is increasing interest in minimally invasive skin sampling techniques to assay markers of molecular biology and biochemical processes.


OBJECTIVE
This overview examines methodology strengths and limitations, and exciting developments pending in the scientific community.


METHODS
Publications were searched via PubMed, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Website, the DermTech Website and the CuDerm Website. The keywords used were noninvasive skin sampling, skin stripping, skin taping, detergent method, ring method, mechanical scrub, reverse iontophoresis, glucose monitoring, buccal smear, hair root sampling, mRNA, DNA, RNA, and amino acid.


CONCLUSIONS
There is strong interest in finding methods to access internal biochemical, molecular, and genetic processes through noninvasive and minimally invasive external means. Minimally invasive techniques include the widely used skin tape stripping, the abrasion method that includes scraping and detergent, and reverse iontophoresis. The first 2 methods harvest largely the stratum corneum. Hair root sampling (material deeper than the epidermis), buccal smear, shave biopsy, punch biopsy, and suction blistering are also methods used to obtain cellular material for analysis, but involve some degree of increased invasiveness and thus are only briefly mentioned. Existing and new sampling methods are being refined and validated, offering exciting, different noninvasive means of quickly and efficiently obtaining molecular material with which to monitor bodily functions and responses, assess drug levels, and follow disease processes without subjecting patients to unnecessary discomfort and risk.
Wang
Christina Y
CY
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, California, USA.
Maibach
Howard I
HI
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D003880:Dermatology / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control
D015415:Biomarkers