Patent ID: 7226457

Claim:
An abrasion device assembly for sampling small amounts of epidermal cells from a skin surface of an individual includes an abrasion device connected to a motor; said abrasion device comprising: an actuator device comprising a cylindrical central shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and including a spring at said proximal end; said central shaft comprising a handle integral therewith and protruding therefrom at a selected position between said proximal end and said distal end; said central shaft having a central opening situated therein, extending from said proximal end to said distal end thereof, holding a collet at said proximal end and a driver rod extending from a connection with said collet toward said distal end; a probe capable of being disposed centrally and releasably within said central opening of said actuator device; said probe comprising a cylindrical rod having a distal end and terminating in an abrasive surface at a cross-sectional proximal end thereof; said abrasive surface being appropriately textured and having a small cross-sectional diameter for abrasion and harvesting of said epidemial cells; and a positioning sleeve positioned over said actuator device so that a desired length of said probe extends therefrom, comprising a frustaconical portion of a larger diameter than said central shaft, having a proximal end and a distal end and a cylindrical cap portion removably positioned at said proximal end.