Pinworm Preparation

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Category:

Turnaround Time: 1 - 4 days
CPT Code:

87172

Test Type: One slide
Reference Range:

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

Overview:

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.

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.

Mondou EN, Gnepp DR. Hepatic granuloma resulting from Enterobius vermicularis.Am J Clin Pathol. 1989 Jan; 91(1):97-100. PubMed 2910020

Schnell VL, Yandell R, Van Zandt S, Dinh TV. Enterobius vermicularis salpingitis: A distant episode from precipitating appendicitis. Obstet Gynecol. 1992 Sep; 80(3 Pt 2):553-555. PubMed 1495735

Sun T, Schwartz NS, Sewell C, Lieberman P, Gross S. Enterobius egg granuloma of the vulva and peritoneum: Review of the literature. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1991 Aug; 45(2):249-253. PubMed 1877720

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

Glass slide in slide transport.

Collect specimen as soon as possible after patient arises and prior to defecation or bathing. Pat the perianal area with the sticky side of cellophane tape (do not use frosted tape), attach to a glass slide, and ship slide in a slide mailer.

Maintain specimen at room temperature.