Collection of Specimens for Pinworm

FALCON™ SWUBE™ Pinworm Paddle Method

Purpose:

The FALCON™ SWUBE™ Pinworm Paddle is for the collection and examination of pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis. This method replaces collection by the cellulose tape slide and the petroleum jelly paraffin swab technique.

Principle:

The Pinworm Paddle is a clear plastic paddle, coated on one side with an adhesive, which collects and holds the specimen. The handle of the paddle is inserted through the cap of a 17 x 100 mm plastic tube. The paddle can be removed from the cap and used as a slide for direct microscopic examination.

Specimen Collection and Transport:

Observe established precautions against microbiological hazards throughout this procedure.

It must be assumed that all specimens collected might contain infectious organisms; therefore, all specimens should be handled with the necessary precautions in mind.

Note: Specimens should be obtained before treatment therapy has begun. If therapy was initiated prior to collection of the specimen, this must be noted on the requisition.

Procedure:
  1. Hold the paddle by the cap and remove it from the tube.
  2. Separate the buttocks and press the tacky surface against several areas of the perianal region.
  3. Replace the paddle in the tube for transport to the laboratory. Specimens should be refrigerated if examination is to be delayed for more than one day.
  4. Label tube with patient’s first and last name, hospital number and date of birth, as well as your initials plus date and time of collection.
  5. Submit the tapes and slides to the laboratory in a sealed plastic bag along with a test requisition.
Transport:

2-8° C within 72 hours.

Cellulose Tape Method

Purpose:

For the collection and examination of pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis.

Principle:

The clear-cellulose-tape preparation is the most widely used procedure for the detection of human pinworm infections. Adult Enterobius vermicularis worms inhabit the large intestine and rectum; however the eggs are not normally found in fecal material. The adult female migrates out the anal opening and deposits the eggs on the perianal skin, usually during the night. The eggs, and occasionally the adult female worms, stick to the sticky surface of the cellulose tape.

Specimen Collection and Transport:

The specimen is collected from the skin of the perianal area first thing in the morning, before the patient has bathed or used the toilet. Preparations should be taken for at least 4-6 consecutive days with negative results before a patient is considered free of the infection.

Procedure:
  1. Place a strip of clear cellulose tape (adhesive side down) on a microscope slide as follow.
    1. Starting at 1.5 cm from one end of the slide, run tape toward the same end, and wrap the tape around the slide to the opposite end. Tear the tape even with the end of the slide. Attach a label to the tape at the end torn flush with the slide.
    2. Obtain a sample from the perianal area, peel back the tape by gripping the labeled end, and, with the tape looped (adhesive side outward) over a wooden tongue depressor that is held firmly against the slide and extended bout 2.5 cm beyond it, press the tape firmly several times against the right and left perianal folds.
    3. Smooth the tape back on the slide, adhesive side down.
    4. Label with patient first and last name, date of birth, hospital number (if applicable), your initials and date and time of collection.
    5. Submit the tapes and slides to the laboratory in a sealed plastic bag along with a test requisition.
Transport:

2-8° C within 72 hours.

revised 11/24/17

No Appointment Necessary
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12 Patient Service Centers in Central New York.

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