Pinworms test
How the test is performed:
During the night inspect the anal area using a flashlight. The worms are tiny, whitish, and threadlike. If none are seen, check for 2 or 3 additional nights.
One may also try a tape test. The best time to collect a sample is in the morning because the eggs are laid at night. The sticky side of a 1 inch strip of cellophane tape is pressed firmly over the anal area for a few seconds. The eggs stick to the tape. The tape is then transferred to a glass slide, sticky side down. With a microscope, one can look for eggs, or the slide may be taken to a health care provider for analysis.
How to prepare for the test:
Adults:
No special preparation is necessary.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
There is no discomfort.
Why the test is performed:
This test is performed to check for pinworms, which are one cause of itching in the anal area.
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