Acquisition of biospecimens for studying skin diseases

Studies of Dermatologic Diseases-Biospecimen Acquisition Protocol

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT02471352

This study is collecting samples from people with skin diseases, those at risk, and healthy volunteers to see how skin conditions affect quality of life and to learn more about their causes and treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment700 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT02471352 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect biological samples from individuals with dermatologic conditions, those at risk for such conditions, and healthy volunteers. Participants will undergo a medical history review, physical exams, and surveys to assess the impact of skin diseases on their quality of life. The collected specimens, including blood, stool, and nail samples, will be used for exploratory studies to understand the causes and potential treatments for various skin diseases. The study anticipates enrolling approximately 700 participants over a 10-year period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 2 and older with dermatologic conditions, those at risk for developing such conditions, family members of affected individuals, and healthy volunteers.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that may pose undue risk or those unable to comply with the study protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of skin diseases and improved treatment options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on biospecimen collection for dermatologic conditions have shown promise, indicating that this approach is supported by prior research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Eligible participants must:

  * Have a dermatologic condition, as determined by the PI or AIs, OR --be at risk for developing a dermatologic condition, as determined by the PI or AIs, OR
  * be a family member of a person with a dermatologic condition OR
  * be a healthy volunteer, as defined as a person with no known significant health problems.
  * Be willing to provide biospecimens for research and clinical studies, and for storage to be used for future research.
  * Subjects of age greater than 0 years old (including only viable neonates) are eligible.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Presence of conditions that, in the judgment of the investigator, may put the subject at undue risk or make them unsuitable for participation in the study.
* Inability to comply with the requirements of the protocol.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dermatologic Conditions, Healthy Volunteers, Normal Volunteers, Carcinoma, Merkel Cell, Dermatologic Condition, Skin Disease, Biospecimen, Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.