Non-invasive skin collection system

Abstract

The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for non-invasive collection and analysis of a skin sample, the system comprising:
 an adhesive skin sample collection kit comprising at least one adhesive tape, wherein the least one adhesive tape comprises a collection area comprising an adhesive matrix on a surface, wherein the adhesive matrix comprises a copolymer, and wherein the adhesive matrix is configured to adhere to an effective amount of a skin sample for quantifying expression levels of one or more target genes in the skin sample.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adhesive tape comprises a tab for handling of the adhesive tape while avoiding handling of the adhesive matrix. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer comprises a hydrocarbon elastomer. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer comprises a styrene copolymer compound. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer comprises a styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) linear block copolymer compound. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the effective amount of the skin sample comprises from about 1 picogram to about 1 gram of cellular material. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the effective amount of the skin sample comprises less than about 500 micrograms. 
     
     
         8 . A method for analyzing a skin sample comprising:
 receiving an adhesive skin sample collection kit comprising a skin sample adhered to an adhesive matrix, wherein the adhesive skin sample collection kit comprising at least one adhesive tape, wherein the at least one adhesive tape comprises a collection area comprising the adhesive matrix on a surface, and wherein the adhesive matrix comprises a copolymer; and   quantifying expression levels of one or more target genes in the skin sample.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one adhesive tape comprises a tab for handling. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the tab is sized for avoiding unnecessary contact with the adhesive matrix of the collection area when handling the adhesive tape. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the collection area is transparent such that a skin sampling area of the subject is visible after application of the adhesive tape to a skin surface. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the polymer comprises a hydrocarbon elastomer. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the polymer comprises a styrene copolymer compound. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the polymer comprises a styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) linear block copolymer compound. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive tape does not comprise latex, silicone, or both. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive tape is sufficiently flexible to conform to a shape a lesion of a skin surface. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive tape is about 5 to about 100 mm in length. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive tape is about 5 to about 40 mm in length. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive skin sample collection kit comprises a plurality of adhesive tapes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the skin sample comprises an effective amount of the skin sample, the effective amount of the skin sample comprising from about 1 picogram to about 1 gram of cellular material. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the effective amount of the skin sample comprises less than about 500 micrograms of the cellular material.