Pinworms
Exams and Tests
When pinworm infection is suspected, the doctor will ask about your or your child's medical history and do a physical exam. During the physical exam, your doctor will examine the skin around the Reference anus Opens New Window for redness and irritation. Also your doctor may ask you to collect a sample by using a piece of transparent adhesive tape. This test, sometimes called a Reference cellophane or "Scotch tape" test, involves pressing a piece of transparent tape on the skin around the anus in the morning before you or your child gets up or bathes. This piece of tape is then viewed under a microscope to look for pinworms and their eggs. The doctor may ask you to repeat the test a few times.
Other tests may be done if the physical exam and cellophane test have not shown pinworms and an infection is still suspected.
- Stool sample. Although collecting a stool sample may be useful, it is usually not the best way to diagnose pinworms since female pinworms do not lay many eggs in the rectum.
- Examination of the lower intestine (Reference colonoscopy Opens New Window). This test is done in only very rare cases of pinworms that have not cleared up with treatment or in cases where the diagnosis is unclear.
If a complication of pinworm infection is suspected, more tests may be done. The specific tests that are needed will depend on the person's symptoms and the part of the body that is affected.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 30, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
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