Method for detection of biological factors in epidermis

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for removing polynucleotide from the skin. This polynucleotide can be used to detect dermatitis and distinguish an irritant reaction from an allergic reaction by characterizing the polynucleotide according to the polypeptide which it encodes. Additionally, provided are methods for non-invasive isolation of samples from the skin as well as kits for use in the methods provided herein.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A kit for obtaining polynucleotides from the skin, the kit comprising: 
 a cell collection device selected from the group consisting of a rigid surface and an adhesive tape; and    a cell lysis buffer suitable of preserving polynucleotides or a computer chip suitable for preserving polynucleotides.    
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , which further comprises an mRNA detection reagent.  
     
     
         3 . A kit for distinguishing an irritant reaction from an allergic reaction, the kit comprising a cell collection device, a cell lysis buffer, an mRNA detection reagent.