Pinworms are a common problem in children and may spread to adults
(typically the parents or other care-givers). The eggs may be
easily seen under a microscope. To obtain a sample, a piece of
cellophane tape is pressed against the patient's anal opening. The
sticky side of the tape picks up the pinworm eggs and the tape is
then stuck to a microscope slide. The eggs can be viewed under the
microscope, as seen above. (Image courtesy of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.)
Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
