The University of Iowa

State Hygienic Laboratory

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Test Detail

Pinworm Examination

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Test Description
  • Contact: Diagnostic Microbiology (319) 335-4256
  • Test Request Form: Mycobacteriology/Mycology/Parasitology
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 928
Microscopic examination of pinworm collection devices or scotch tape preps for pinworm identification.
Panel Components
Pinworm Identification
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
 1 - 3 business days Microscopic identification
Fee CPT Code(s)
$7.15 87172
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Pinworm collection device or scotch tape prep of perianal area
Patient Preparation: Specimen collection is optimal immediately upon rising in the morning. DO NOT shower or bathe, have a bowel movement, wipe or clean rectal area, or apply ointment to skin in rectal area before collecting sample.
Collection Instructions: Pinworm collection device:
  1. Hold the paddle by cap and remove from tube.
  2. Using gentle pressure, press the sticky side of paddle against skin around rectum 3 or 4 times.
  3. Return the paddle to collector tube and tighten lid.
Scotch tape prep:
  1. Loop clear tape over the end of a tongue depressor to expose sticky surface. DO NOT use Magic transparent tape.
  2. Press sticky surface against several areas of the perianal region.
  3. Place tape on slide and smooth tape onto slide with cotton or gauze.
  4. Place in slide holder for transport.
Temperature and Stability: Room Temperature (preferred) or refrigerated; stable for 7 days from collection. DO NOT freeze.
Unacceptable Conditions: Stool, specimens in preservative, frozen samples, cloudy or colored tape used in scotch tape preps
Expected Results:
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) adults present, Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) eggs present, No Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) found.
Shipping:
Place Pinworm collector or slide transport with scotch tape prep in biohazard bag. Seal the bag and place into mailer along with completed Test Request Form. Transport specimen at room temperature. Ship to the Coralville location.
Comments
Pinworm eggs are rarely seen in feces as female worms deposit eggs in perianal region of human hosts. Ova and Parasites (O&P) testing is not recommended if pinworm is suspected. SHL provides Pinworm collection kits upon request.
Alternate Names
Enterobius vermicularis, Scotch tape prep, Pinworm paddle
The University of Iowa

State Hygienic Laboratory

General inquires
SHL Client Services
319-335-4500 or 1-800-421-IOWA (4692)
ask-shl@uiowa.edu

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