What is the most common test for diagnosing pinworms in a child?

What is the most common test for diagnosing pinworms in a child?

• A. Tape test prior to defecating
• B. Stool culture
• C. Blood test
• D. Urine analysis

Answer: (A)

Capturing pinworm eggs with a perianal tape test is the standard way to diagnose infection. Pinworms lay eggs around the anus mainly at night, so collecting eggs first thing in the morning before the child bathes or uses the bathroom captures the organisms when they’re present. The adhesive tape is pressed to the skin around the anus and then placed on a microscope slide for examination. This direct method is preferred because it targets the actual eggs, is inexpensive and easy to do at home, and may be repeated on several mornings to improve detection. By contrast, stool samples often miss pinworms because eggs aren’t consistently shed in stool, and blood tests or urine analyses don’t diagnose pinworm infections.

Capturing pinworm eggs with a perianal tape test is the standard way to diagnose infection. Pinworms lay eggs around the anus mainly at night, so collecting eggs first thing in the morning before the child bathes or uses the bathroom captures the organisms when they’re present. The adhesive tape is pressed to the skin around the anus and then placed on a microscope slide for examination. This direct method is preferred because it targets the actual eggs, is inexpensive and easy to do at home, and may be repeated on several mornings to improve detection. By contrast, stool samples often miss pinworms because eggs aren’t consistently shed in stool, and blood tests or urine analyses don’t diagnose pinworm infections.