Noninvasive evaluation of intragraft immune responses in upper extremity transplantation.

In vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), invasive tissue biopsies remain the gold standard in diagnosing rejection carrying significant morbidity. We aimed to show feasibility of tape-stripping for noninvasive immune monitoring in VCA. Tape-stripping was performed on allografts and native skin of upper extremity transplant recipients.