infections
Pinworm Infection
Diagnosis of Pinworm Infection
Microscopic examination of transparent tape that has been patted around the anus to collect eggs Observation of adult worms around the anus The diagnosis of pinworm infection is made by finding the eggs or, less commonly, adult pinworms around the anus. Eggs can be obtained by patting the skinfolds around the anus with the sticky side of a strip of transparent tape. This should be done in the early morning before the child defecates or wipes the area. The tape can be taken to the doctor for microscopic examination. Doctors may ask parents or caregivers to repeat this procedure several days in a row to make sure that they obtain eggs, if present. The best way to search for adult pinworms is to examine the child’s anus about 1 to 2 hours after the child has been put to bed for the night. The worms are white and hair-thin, but they wiggle and are visible to the naked eye. 