Collection Instructions

Pinworms migrate through the rectum and deposit their eggs on the perianal skin on or around the anus during the night while the patient sleeps.

1. Specimens are best obtained an hour or two after the patient goes to sleep or just after waking and before a bath or bowel movement.

2. Gently press the paddle’s sticky side  or double sticky scotch tape on a glass microscope slide against several areas of the perianal region while spreading open the perianal folds.

3. Place the paddle back into the transport tube and tighten cap or place the glass slide into a petri dish or sterile urine specimen cup.

4. Wash your hands.

5. The parasite eggs deteriorate rapidly if exposed to heat.

6. Multiple specimens may be necessary.