Ethical issues when teledermatology employs tape-stripping molecular diagnostics.

Abstract

Teledermatology has narrowed geographic gaps in dermatologic care, but pigmented lesions are difficult to evaluate remotely. Mailed adhesive tape-stripping kits offer a potential noninvasive molecular adjunct, but their promised benefits (including fewer in-person visits, biopsies, and costs) remain largely unproven in practice. Herein we discuss the ethical pros and cons of tape-stripping in this setting and compare it with alternative investments such as primary care dermoscopy training and teledermoscopy. There remain unresolved concerns regarding tape-stripping cost, evidence of actual practice change, commercial oversight, data governance, and confidentiality in home specimen collection.