Pinworm test (2024)

FAQs

How accurate are pinworm tests? ›

A perianal cellophane swab or cellophane-tape examination should be used to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs. Egg detection is associated with a false-positive rate of 5-11% and a false-negative rate of 70-95%.

For best results, perform the tape test three days in a row, and then take the pieces of tape to your doctor. Your doctor can look at the tape under a microscope to see if there are any pinworm eggs.

Although pinworms can be seen by the naked eye, they may be confused with bits of white thread or proglottids of Dipylidium caninum, a tapeworm of dogs and cats that occasionally infects children.

If an infection is suspected, scotch tape or a pinworm paddle (supplied by your doctor) is applied to the anal region. The eggs stick to the tape or paddle and are later identified using a microscope. The test should be done first thing in the morning since bathing or using the bathroom may remove the eggs.

Your child will need to take an oral (taken by mouth) anti-parasitic medication to kill the worms. They'll take one dose immediately and another dose two weeks later to be sure all the worms are gone.

Pinworms are white, parasitic worms that can live in the large intestine of humans. They are about one-half inch long. While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestinal tract and lay their eggs on the skin around the anus.

Scratching an affected area and then eating can lead to unintentionally ingesting pinworm eggs. This can lead to a repeat pinworm infection. Sometimes eggs on the anus hatch, and the larvae can reenter the large intestine. If not treated, this can cause the infection to continue indefinitely.

The worm may be seen around the anus or on the child's bottom. It is especially active at night or early morning. Rarely, the pinworm is seen on the surface of a stool. The pinworm's secretions are a strong skin irritant and cause the itching.

Raw garlic

Garlic is said to kill any existing eggs and prevent female pinworms from laying more eggs. You can ingest it in small doses or apply it topically like a salve. If you wish to ingest the garlic, dice up a clove and mix it into pasta or sprinkle it on bread. You can also eat the garlic on its own.

Conduct a "tape test". Press the sticky side of clear tape against the skin near the anus to collect pinworm eggs. First thing in the morning is the best time, before the person washes, goes to the bathroom, or gets dressed. Do this three mornings in a row.

Can you visibly see pinworm eggs? ›

The pinworms are white, can be seen with the naked eye (no magnification), and are about the length of a staple (about 8-13 mm for female and 2-5mm for male worms). The eggs that are laid by the female worms are not visible as they are about 55 micrometers in diameter and are translucent (see Figure 1).

Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep. Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child.

Pinworm symptoms

You might have anal itching, especially at night. You could also have stomach pain, nausea, or vagin*l itching. Sometimes, pinworms can be seen around your anus or on your underwear or bed sheets about 2-3 hours after you've gone to bed. Pinworms can cause insomnia, restlessness, and irritability.

Pinworm infections often produce no symptoms but, when they occur, symptoms can include: itchy bottom, especially at night.

Handle those items carefully and wash them in hot water, at least 130°F. Dry them in a hot dryer. The heat will help kill pinworm eggs.

Look for pinworms around the anus 2 – 3 hours after the who may be infected person goes to sleep. Conduct a "tape test" to collect possible pinworm eggs around the anus. Look at samples from under the fingernails of the person who may have pinworms.

A white, very thin, threadlike worm, about ¼ inch (6 mm) long. It moves. If it doesn't wiggle, it's probably lint or a thread.

If you have pinworms, you might see the worms in the toilet after you go to the bathroom. They look like tiny pieces of white thread. You also might see them on your underwear when you wake up in the morning. But the pinworm eggs are too tiny to be seen without a microscope.