Sample collection tools and related methods of collecting skin samples

Abstract

A sample collection tool includes a housing, a sampling tape configured to collect a skin sample from a skin surface, and an applicator coupled to the housing and configured to apply a compression force that causes a portion of the sampling tape to be pressed against the skin surface, wherein the sample collection tool is configured to dispense the portion of the sampling tape from the housing and to collect the portion of the sampling tape within the housing. A method of collecting the skin sample includes dispensing the portion of the sampling tape from the housing, aligning the portion of the sampling tape with a target area of the skin surface, applying the compression force using the applicator to press the portion of the sampling tape against the skin surface, and removing the portion of the sampling tape from the skin surface to collect the skin sample.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1SAMPLE COLLECTION TOOLS AND RELATED METHODS OF COLLECTING SKIN SAMPLES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 753,646, filed on February 4, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to sample collection tools, such as sample collection tools including a sampling tape that is designed to collect skin samples from a skin surface to examine a skin disease.BACKGROUND

[0003] Inflammatory skin diseases, skin cancers, and other diseases involving systemic inflammation may, in some cases, be diagnosed using various biomarkers collected from a patient's skin surface. For example, a high-quality RNA sample may be used by a dermatologist to diagnose such a disease. Conventional methods of collecting RNA samples from a patient’s skin include placing a piece of tape on the skin using a tweezer device, applying a constant pressure on the tape using a pressure device or a roller, removing the tape from the skin using the tweezer device or clinician’s fingers, and placing the tape in a vial or on a storage card. Such methods often yield inconsistent or low-quality RNA samples that are not adequate for a thorough or reliable examination of the patient’s skin.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure relates to sample collection tools, such as sample collection tools including a sampling tape that is designed to collect skin samples from a skin surface to examine (e.g., diagnose, identify, or otherwise examine) a skin disease. The skin samples may include various biomarkers that can serve as objective metrics of a disease state, such as ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, lipids, and other biomarkers.

[0005] An example sample collection tool advantageously provides the combination of tape dispensing, pressure application, and tape storage in a single, compact, easy-to-use device. The sample collection tool provides anoninvasive manner of collecting large quantities of high-quality RNA samples from patients with inflammatory skin diseases, other skin diseases, and systemic diseases that may involve the skin. The design of the sampleAttorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1collection tool also allows for easy, successful use within a clinical outpatient setting. For example, due to a prescribed sampling force applied to the skin surface as a result of the tool’s applicator design, the tool can produce RNA samples of consistent quality and character. This consistency avoids the potential of collecting samples that may be insufficient for analy sis and accordingly reduces a total amount of clinic and laboratory time required to analyze a patient’s skin. Furthermore, the sample collection tool is designed for straightforward installation and removal of interior spools and the sampling tape, which together form a cartridge assembly that is compatible with downstream laboratory processing equipment.

[0006] In one aspect, a sample collection tool includes a housing, a sampling tape configured to collect a skin sample from a skin surface, and an applicator coupled to the housing and configured to apply a compression force that causes a portion of the sampling tape to be pressed against the skin surface, wherein the sample collection tool is configured to dispense the portion of the sampling tape from the housing and to collect the portion of the sampling tape within the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sample collection tool further includes a first spool and a second spool disposed within the housing, wherein a first end of the sampling tape is attached to the first spool and a second end of the sampling tape is attached to the second spool.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sample collection tool further includes a dial that is coupled to the second spool and rotatable to advance the sampling tape along the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dial includes a ratchet mechanism that prevents a backward rotation of the dial.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first spool includes a dispensing spool that is disposed within a lower compartment of the housing and the second spool includes a collection spool that is disposed within an upper compartment of the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first spool, the second spool, and the sampling tape are insertable into and removable from the housing as an assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sampling tape has a total usable length of about 20 cm to about 150 cm (e.g., about 74 cm).

[0013] In some embodiments, the sampling tape is configured to collect one or more additional skin samples.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sampling tape is made of one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and acrylic.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1

[0015] In some embodiments, the applicator is spring-loaded with respect to the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing includes a stop configured to limit a movement of the applicator with respect to the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the compression force is within a range of about 5 N to about 50 N.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sample collection tool further includes a pad positioned along a bottom face of the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sample collection tool has a non-operational height of about 5 cm to about 20 cm.

[0020] In another aspect, a method of collecting a skin sample includes dispensing a portion of a sampling tape from a housing, aligning the portion of the sampling tape with a target area of the skin surface, applying a compression force using an applicator that is coupled to the housing to press the portion of the sampling tape against the skin surface, and removing the portion of the sampling tape from the skin surface to collect the skin sample on the portion of the sampling tape.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes rotating a dial that is coupled to the sampling tape to advance the sampling tape along the housing and collect the portion of the sampling tape within the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the portion is a first portion, and the method further includes collecting an additional skin sample on a second portion of the sampling tape.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes removing the sampling tape from the housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes processing the skin sample on the sampling tape to examine a skin disease.

[0025] In some embodiments, the skin sample includes an RNA sample.

[0026] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example sample collection tool in a non-operational configuration.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1 in an operational configuration.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1 with the door of the tool removed to illustrate internal components.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1 with the door of the tool removed and spools of the tool exploded from the housing of the tool.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1 with the door of the tool removed.

[0035] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the sample collection tool of FIG. 1 with both the applicator of the tool and the dial of the tool removed to illustrate a ratchet mechanism of the tool.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example sample collection tool in a non-operational configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example sample collection tool 100 that can be used to collect a biological sample from a patient. More particularly, the sample collection tool 100 provides a combination of tape dispensing, pressure application, and tape storage to collect skin samples 101 from a skin surface 103 (e.g., a portion of stratum comeum) of a patient with an inflammatory skin disease. The skin samples 101 may include various biomarkers that can serve as objective metrics of a disease state, such as ribonucleic acid (RNA). proteins, lipids, and other biomarkers. Typical skin and other inflammatory diseases that may be diagnosed, identified, or otherw ise examined using the sample collection tool 100 include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic hand eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, alopecia, and other autoimmune skin conditions. Other diseases that may be diagnosed, identified, or otherwise examined using the sample collection tool 100 include other systemic diseases that, while not having a skin component, may haveAttorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1skin biomarkers. Examples of such diseases include asthma, gastrointestinal diseases, skin cancers, and other cancers that may have systemic involvement.

[0039] The sample collection tool 100 includes a housing 102, a sampling tape 104 (e.g., a strip of tape) that is dispensed from and stored within the housing 102, a dial 106 (e.g., a knob) for advancing the sampling tape 104 through the housing 102 to collect successive samples 101 from the skin surface 103, and a push-style applicator 108 for applying a compression force to the sampling tape 104 (e.g., for causing the sampling tape 104 to be pressed against the skin surface 103).

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6-10, the housing 102 includes a main body 110 that defines an outer wall structure 112, an upper inner wall structure 114 defining an upper compartment 116 within the main body 110, and a lower inner wall structure 118 that defines a lower compartment 120 within the main body 110. The wall structure 114 and the upper compartment 116 (e.g., defined by the wall structure 114) have a curved shape (e.g., that of a partial cylinder with a cross-sectional shape that is partially circular). The wall structure 118 and the lower compartment 120 have a curved shape along certain portions and a flat shape along certain, other portions. For example, a first side 128 of the wall structure 118 forms a lip 122 along which the sampling tape 104 is initially dispensed. The lip 122 curves away from and is spaced apart from the outer wall structure 112 (e.g., so as not to obstruct the sampling tape 104) to allow passage of the sampling tape 104 out of the housing 102. A second, opposite side 130 of the wall structure 118 is also spaced apart from the outer wall structure 112 to allow passage of the sampling tape 104 back into the housing 102. The wall structure 118 also forms multiple flanges 124 that strengthen the main body 110 along a bottom face 126. Additionally, the outer wall structure 112 also forms multiple flanges 132 that strengthen an upper region of the main body 110.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the outer wall structure 112 also defines a lateral viewing window 136 (e.g., an elongate opening) through which a user can view a segment of the sampling tape 104 that indicates (e.g., with a number or other marking) that the next segment of the sampling tape 104 is centered with respect to a lower end portion of the sample collection tool 100 and ready to be applied to the skin surface 103. For example, the outer w all structure 112 also includes two elongate indicators 140 that project from the outer wall structure 112 and are aligned with a centerline of the viewing window 136. The lower end portion may be embodied as a foam pad 194, which will be discussed in more detail below.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7-9, the outer wall structure 112 also includes two elongate stops 144 (e.g., detents) that respectively project from opposite sides of the outer wall structure 112. The stops 144 are sized and positioned to retain the applicator 108 in an initial position (e.g., anon-operational position) along the main body 110 when the sample collection tool 100 is not in use. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the outer wall structure 112 also includes a support column 146 on which a compression spring 148 is positioned between the housing 102 and the applicator 108.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6-10, the housing 102 contains or supports several components that together form a sample collection mechanism. For example, the sample collection tool 100 includes a drive shaft 150 that is positioned within the upper compartment 116 and attached to the dial 106. The tool 100 also includes a ratchet gear 152 with two opposing ends 154 that are designed to securely engage w ith any two of multiple teeth 156 that are positioned about a circular wall 158 of a rotational index 160. The rotational index 160 extends from the outer w all structure along the upper compartment 116. A first end portion 162 of the drive shaft 150 passes through an opening (not visible) along the upper compartment 116 of the outer wall structure 112 and through an opening 164 in the ratchet gear 152. Furthermore, the dial 106 forms an inner recess 166 with a shape that is complementary' to a shape of the end portion 162 of the drive shaft 150. The dial 106 surrounds the end portion 162 at the recess 166 and is secured to the end portion 162 with a fastener 168. Accordingly, an angular position of the drive shaft 150 is fixed with respect to an angular position of the dial 160, such that a rotation of the dial 106 causes a corresponding rotation of the drive shaft 150. Additionally, a cross-sectional shape of the end portion 162 of the drive shaft 150 is complementary' to a shape of the opening 164 in the ratchet gear 152 such that an angular position of the ratchet gear 152 is fixed with respect to an angular position of the drive shaft 150. Therefore, a rotation of the drive shaft 150 (e.g., effected by a rotation of the dial 106) also causes a corresponding rotation of the ratchet gear 152.

[0044] The extent to which the dial 106 can be rotated in a single rotational movement is limited by the engagement between the ends 154 of the ratchet gear 152 and the teeth 156 of the rotational index 160. That is, as the dial 106 is rotated (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction 170), a flexibility of the ends 154 allows the ends 154 to be pushed radially' inw ard by respective teeth 156 and then snap into a next pocket 172 formed by the contacting tooth 156 and the next, adjacent tooth 156. Accordingly, the ratchet gear 152 and the rotational index 160 together prevent the dial 106 from rotating in an oppositeAttorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1direction (e.g., a clockwise direction). The rotational index 160 typically has 2 to 50 teeth (e.g., 25 teeth).

[0045] The sample collection tool 100 also includes a collection spool 174 that is supported on the drive shaft 150, as well as an end piece 176 and a fastener 178 that retain the collection spool 174 on the drive shaft 150 (e.g., by preventing the collection spool 174 from sliding axially off of the drive shaft 150). In other embodiments of a sample collection tool that is substantially similar in construction and function to the sample tool 100. the collection spool 174 may be retained on the drive shaft 150 with a different mechanism (e.g., one that does not require the use of a screw driver or other tool to insert or remove the collection spool 174). As discussed above, the drive shaft 150 is rotatable with respect to the outer wall structure 112. An inner surface of the collection spool 174 has a shape that is complementary to an outer surface of the drive shaft 150 to allow the collection spool 174 to slide onto the drive shaft 150 and lock an angular position of the collection spool 174 with respect to an angular position of the drive shaft 150. Accordingly, a rotation of the drive shaft 150 causes a corresponding rotation of the collection spool 174. The sample collection tool 100 also includes a pm 184 (e.g., a pull-out dowel pm) that is attached to the outer wall structure 112 with a fastener 186, and a dispensing spool 188 that is supported on the pin 184. The dispensing spool 188 is rotatable with respect to the pin 184 and with respect to the outer wall structure 112.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9. the sampling tape 104 is embodied as a long strip 134 (e.g., a liner) to which multiple separate, sample collection discs 180 are adhered (only a single disc 180 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9). The collection discs 180 are spaced apart from one another and secured to an outer side of the strip 134 (e.g., the side facing the skin surface 103) such that the discs 180 are arranged to collect samples 101. In some embodiments, anon-adhesive side of each disc 180 is adhered to an elongate, narrower strip (not illustrated), which is itself adhered to the strip 134 along a length of the strip 134. In some embodiments, the sampling tape 104 includes 20 collection discs 180. In other embodiments, sampling tape 104 includes a different number of collection discs 180. Each disc 180 is labeled with a number (e.g., from 1 to 20, not shown) that is observable through the viewing window 136. Visibility of the number through the window 136 enables a user to advance the sampling tape 104 to the next disc 180 without having to move the sample collection tool 100 a significant distance away from a target area of the skin surface 103 to view the position of the sampling tape 104. This ensures that the samples 101 are collected from the same site (e.g., the target area) each time.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the sampling tape 104 has a first end 190 that is securely attached (e.g.. with acrylic, epoxy, silicone, ethylene-vinyl acetate) to the dispensing spool 188 and a second end 192 that is securely attached to the collection spool 174. In an initial configuration of the sample collection tool 100, the sampling tape 104 is wound around the dispensing spool 188 along a majority of its length and around the collection spool 174 along a smaller, minor portion of its length. As the dial 106 is rotated to dispense the sampling tape 104 from the housing 102, the collection spool 174 is rotated and accordingly pulls the sampling tape 104 upward to wind a previously exposed, used segment of the sampling tape 104 around the collection spool 174. The sampling tape 104 may be advanced multiple times in this manner until an indicator mark on the sampling tape 104 is visible through the viewing window 136 in the housing 102 to indicate that all of the usable portion of the sampling tape 104 has been dispensed. In some examples, after the final disc number (e.g., 20) appears in the viewing window 136, the sampling tape 104 may be advanced one or more times until a final indicator appears in the viewing window7, indicating that the collection spool 174 is ready for removal.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sampling tape 104 has a total usable length of about 20 cm to about 150 cm (e.g., about 74 cm). In some examples, a user may turn the dial 106 by about 168 degrees to about 292 degrees to dispense (e.g., advance) the sampling tape 104 by a length of about 2.2 cm to about 3.8 cm between the collection of successive skin samples 101. In some embodiments, the sampling tape 104 has a width of about 2 cm to about 5 cm (e.g., about 3.8 cm). In some embodiments, the strip 134 of the sampling tape 104 is made of one or more materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and acry lic. In some embodiments, an outer side of each collection disc 180 is coated with one or more adhesive substances that are formulated to collect samples 101 from the skin surface 103 (e.g., to cause samples 101 to stick to the disc 180, to remove samples 101 from the skin surface 103, or to otherwise capture samples 101 from the skin surface 103). Example adhesive substances that may be coated on the outer side of the collection discs 180 include acry lics. In some embodiments, an inner side of the strip 134 of the sampling tape 104 is substantially smooth to allow the sampling tape 104 to slide along a film structure 196 with little to no resistance, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0049] The sample collection tool 100 also includes a pad 194 (e.g., a cushion made of a conformable foam material) that is secured to the bottom face 126 of the housing 102 with an adhesive substrate 197 (e.g.. an adhesive tape). The pad 194 has a semicircular cross-sectional shape and therefore forms a rounded external path along which the sampling tapeAttorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1104 extends from the dispensing spool 188 to the collection spool 174. Due to its material formulation, the pad 194 can be compressed (e.g.. smashed or otherwise collapsed) between the housing 102 and the skin surface 103 when the applicator 108 is pressed onto the housing 102 to operate the sample collection tool 100. In some embodiments, the pad 194 has an uncompressed height of about 0.1 cm to about 3.8 cm (e.g., about 2.5 cm). The fdm structure 196 of the sample collection tool 100 adheres to (e.g., coats) the lower inner wall structure 118 along an inner surface of the fdm structure 196. An outer surface of the fdm structure 196 is a smooth (e.g., low-friction) surface that allows the sampling tape 104 to slide along the wall structure 118 without any substantial resistance.

[0050] The housing 102 further includes a removable door 198 that provides access to the upper and lower compartments 116, 120 of the housing 102 and a cover 142 that covers a remaining, upper interior region of the housing 102. The door 198 includes a latch 105 that can be depressed and pulled to pivot the door 198 away from the main body 110 of the housing 102. The door 198 can be removed from the main body 110 altogether to provide easy access to the compartments 116, 120. The door 198 may be subsequently reattached to the main body 110.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, the applicator 108 is formed as a cover that is positioned on top of the housing 102. The applicator 108 forms a receptacle 107 that encloses the compression spring 148 and surrounds an upper portion of the main body 110 of the housing 102. The compression spring 148 biases the applicator 108 in a direction away from the housing 102. The applicator 108 includes two opposing flanges 109 with respective openings 111 that are sized and positioned to surround the respective stops 144 extending from the main body 110 of the housing 102.

[0052] In an initial configuration (e.g.. a non-operational configuration) of the sample collection tool 100, the applicator 108 compresses the spring 148 by a relatively small first distance (e.g., toward the housing 102). In this configuration, the applicator 108 is retained in an initial position by the stops 144, which extend through the openings 111. For example, lower edges 113 of the openings 111 abut the stops 144 to limit the extent to which the applicator 108 is biased away from the housing 102, thereby securely retaining the applicator 108 on the housing 102. During use of the sample collection tool 100, the pad 194 (e.g., and the associated portion of the sample tape 104) are placed on the skin surface 103, and the applicator 108 is pressed downward (e.g., against the housing 102) until the stops 144 abut upper edges 115 of the openings 111. The applicator 108 is therefore limited in the extent to which the applicator 108 can be pressed against the housing 102. In some examples, pressingAttorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1the applicator 108 downward against the housing 102 applies a force of about 5 N to about 50 N (e.g.. about 30 N) to the housing 102 and accordingly to the skin surface 103 during use of the sample collection tool 100. In some examples, the applicator 108 is pressed downward for a period of about 3 seconds to about 7 seconds (e.g., about 5 seconds). Such force is sufficient to capture an adequate skin sample 101 without causing any significant trauma to the skin surface 103. In some embodiments, the applicator 108 is movable by a total distance of about 0.6 cm to about 1.6 cm (e.g., about 1.1 cm), which corresponds to a height of the openings 111.

[0053] The sample collection tool 100 is sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be easily grasped, handled, manipulated, and operated by a user. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, in some embodiments, when in an initial configuration in which the tool 100 is not being used, the tool 100 has a total height hi of about 5 cm to about 20 cm (e.g., about 14.6 cm). Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, when in an operational configuration in which the tool 100 is pressed against the skin surface 103, the tool 100 has a total height hoof about 3 cm to about 19 cm (e.g., about 13.1 cm). In some embodiments, the tool 100 has a length I (e.g., not including the dial 106) of about 3.2 cm to about 7.2 cm (e.g., about 5.2 cm) and a width w of about 2.2 cm to about 6.2 cm (e g., about 4.2 cm). In some embodiments, the housing 102 and applicator 108 are made of one or more materials, such as poly -lactic acid, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene sty rene, or metals (e.g., stainless steel). The main body 110 of the housing is a relatively rigid structure.

[0054] As discussed above, the sample collection tool 100 can be operated to collect a skin sample 101 from a skin surface 103. Referring particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, in an initial step, a user can remove the door 198 from the main body 110 of the housing 102 and install the collection and dispensing spools 174, 188 to the main body 110 within the upper and lower compartments 116, 120, respectively. Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the user can then reinstall the door 198 to the main body 110 of the housing 102. Referring to FIG. 1, the user can turn the dial 106 to advance an unused portion of the sampling tape 104 across the pad 194 and then place a bottom end of the sample collection tool 100 on the skin surface 103 at a desired location. Referring to FIG. 2, the user may press the applicator 108 downward to apply a sampling force to the housing 102 and accordingly apply the sampling force to the skin surface 103. Referring to FIG. 4, the user can release the applicator 108 and remove the sample collection tool 100 from the skin surface to capture the skin sample 101 on the sampling tape 104. The user may repeat this process multiple (e.g.. 10 to 30) times to collect a series of skin samples 101 that together represent a vertical section through the skin.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1

[0055] Once the user has collected a desired number of samples 101, the user can remove the door 198 to access the upper and lower compartments 116, 120. At this point, the sampling tape 104 is entirely wrapped around the collection spool 174, and the dispensing spool 188 is empty. The user can remove the spools 174, 188 and the sampling tape 104 that is secured to the collection spool 174. The user can then process the sampling tape 104 using a downstream laboratory processing system, such as RNA sequencing, and qPCR, to analyze the RNA and various other biological materials on the sampling tape 104 to identify the presence and status of one or more diseases of the skin.

[0056] The sample collection tool 100 advantageously provides the combination of tape dispensing (e.g., distribution), pressure application, and tape storage in a single, compact, easy-to-use device. Utilizing the tool 100 according to the above-described methods provides a noninvasive way of collecting large quantities of high-quality RNA samples from patients with inflammatory skin diseases. The design of the tool 100 allows for easy, successful use within a clinical outpatient setting. For example, due to the prescribed sampling force applied to the skin surface 103 as a result of the applicator design, the tool 100 can produce RNA samples of consistent quality and character. This consistency avoids the potential of collecting samples that may be insufficient for analysis and accordingly reduces a total amount of clinic and laboratory' time required to analyze a patient’s skin. Furthermore, the tool 100 is designed for straightforward installation and removal of the spools 174. 188 and sampling tape 104, which together form a cartridge that is compatible with downstream laboratory processing equipment. Once one cartridge has been removed from the housing 102, a new cartridge can be inserted into the housing 102 for collecting another sample.

[0057] Other embodiments are also possible. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates a sample collection tool 200 that can be used to collect a biological sample from a patient. As discussed above with respect to the sample collection tool 100, the sample collection tool 200 is designed to employ tape dispensing, pressure application, and tape storage to collect samples from a skin surface (e.g., a portion of stratum corneum) of a patient with an inflammatory’ skin disease. The sample collection tool 200 includes a housing 202, a sampling tape 204 that extends across an opening 210 (e.g., forming a collection location) in the housing 202, an applicator 208 for pressing the sampling tape 204 against the skin surface through the opening 210, and a dial 206 for advancing the sampling tape across the opening 210. The sample collection tool 200 also includes a dispensing spool and a collection spool (not visible) disposed within opposite compartments 212, 214 of the housing 202. TheAttorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1sampling tape 204 and spools are removable from the housing 202 as a cartridge that is compatible with downstream laboratory equipment.

[0058] While the sample collection tools 100, 200 have been described and illustrated with respect to certain dimensions, sizes, shapes, arrangements, configurations, materials, and methods, in some embodiments, a sample collection tool that is otherwise substantially similar in construction and / or function to either of the sample collection tools 100, 200 may include one or more different dimensions, sizes, shapes, arrangements, configurations, or materials, or be used according to different methods.

[0059] Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sample collection tool comprising:a housing;a sampling tape configured to collect a skin sample from a skin surface; and an applicator coupled to the housing and configured to apply a compression force that causes a portion of the sampling tape to be pressed against the skin surface,wherein the sample collection tool is configured to dispense the portion of the sampling tape from the housing and to collect the portion of the sampling tape within the housing.

2. The sample collection tool of claim 1, further comprising a first spool and a second spool disposed within the housing, wherein a first end of the sampling tape is attached to the first spool and a second end of the sampling tape is attached to the second spool.

3. The sample collection tool of claim 2, further comprising a dial that is coupled to the second spool and rotatable to advance the sampling tape along the housing.

4. The sample collection tool of claim 3, wherein the dial comprises a ratchet mechanism that prevents a backward rotation of the dial.

5. The sample collection tool of claim 2, wherein the first spool comprises a dispensing spool that is disposed within a lower compartment of the housing and the second spool comprises a collection spool that is disposed within an upper compartment of the housing.

6. The sample collection tool of claim 2, wherein the first spool, the second spool, and the sampling tape are insertable into and removable from the housing as an assembly.

7. The sample collection tool of claim 1, wherein the sampling tape has a total usable length of about 20 cm to about 150 cm (e.g., about 74 cm).

8. The sample collection tool of claim 1, wherein the sampling tape is configured to collect one or more additional skin samples.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO19. The sample collection tool of claim 1, wherein the sampling tape is made of one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and acrylic.

10. The sample collection tool of claim 1, wherein the applicator is spring-loaded with respect to the housing.

11. The sample collection tool of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a stop configured to limit a movement of the applicator with respect to the housing.

12. The sample collection tool of claim 1, wherein the compression force is within a range of about 5 N to about 50 N.

13. The sample collection tool of claim 1, further comprising a pad positioned along a bottom face of the housing.

14. The sample collection tool of claim 1, wherein the sample collection tool has a non-operational height of about 5 cm to about 20 cm.

15. A method of collecting a skin sample, the method comprising:dispensing a portion of a sampling tape from a housing;aligning the portion of the sampling tape with a target area of the skin surface; applying a compression force using an applicator that is coupled to the housing to press the portion of the sampling tape against the skin surface; andremoving the portion of the sampling tape from the skin surface to collect the skin sample on the portion of the sampling tape.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising rotating a dial that is coupled to the sampling tape to advance the sampling tape along the housing and collect the portion of the sampling tape within the housing.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the portion is a first portion, and wherein the method further comprises collecting an additional skin sample on a second portion of the sampling tape.Attorney Docket No. 27527-0225WO118. The method of claim 15, further comprising removing the sampling tape from the housing.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising processing the skin sample on the sampling tape to examine a skin disease.

20. The method of claim 15. wherein the skin sample comprises an RNA sample.

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