Pinworm other diagnostic studies

Overview
Diagnosis is often made clinically by observing the female worm (or many worms) in the peri-anal region, but can also be made using the "scotch-tape" test, in which the sticky side of a strip of cellophane tape is pressed against the peri-anal skin, then examined under a microscope for pinworm eggs.

The actual worms may be seen in the host's faeces; however the eggs are invisible to the naked eye.

The diagnostic characteristics are: size 50-60 µm by 20-32 µm; typical elongated shape, with one convex side and one flattened side and colorless shell.

On histologic cross-section, alae or wings (running the length of the worm) are identifying features of the pinworm (see micrograph).