Pinworm Preparation

One slide or one pinworm paddle

Glass slide in slide transport or pinworm paddle

Detect cases of pinworm infestation (enterobiasis), E vermicularis parasitic infestation

Examination for pinworm only. One negative result does not rule out possibility of parasitic infestation. Examinations on multiple days may be required to diagnose infection. Stool specimens are not satisfactory for pinworm studies.

Microscopy

No pinworm eggs (Enterobius vermicularis) identified. Positives reported as few, moderate, or many eggs identified.

The most satisfactory means of diagnosing pinworm infection is by the recovery of eggs or female worms from the perianal region. Only 5% to 10% of infected persons have demonstrable eggs in their stools. If feces is submitted for examination, only the surface should be sampled. Enterobiasis often is present in multiple family members; therefore, it is recommended that all members of the family be tested. The responsible parent should be instructed how to collect samples, using one kit per individual. Female worms or parts of them may be demonstrated on the tape by microscopic examination. The proportion of positive specimens correlate with severity of disease. Eggs, if present, may be immature, embryonated (with viable or dead larvae), or (if the specimen is several days or more old) empty egg shells. Enterobius vermicularis has been reported as a rare cause of appendicitis, salpingitis, epididymitis, and hepatic granuloma. Diagnosis at colonoscopy has also been reported.