Abstract: Laser capture microdissection (LCM) technology allows the harvesting of specific cell populations and even single cells by cutting a section of complex and heterogeneous tissue.The DNA,RNA and protein within the cells of interest can be analyzed by using LCM in conjunction with molecular biology techniques,which may improve pathologically diagnostic capability and promote pathogenesis research.In combination with PCR,LCM may be used to assess clonality in cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates,explore infection pathogenesis,and detect common pathogenic microorganisms such as herpes simplex virus (HSV),varicella zoster virus (VZV),Mycobacterium tuberculosis in skin specimens from patients with infectious dermatoses.