MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pinworm eggs

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Pinworm eggs

Pinworms are a common problem in children and may spread to adults (typically the parents or other care-givers). The eggs may be easily seen under a microscope. To obtain a sample, a piece of cellophane tape is pressed against the patient's anal opening. The sticky side of the tape picks up the pinworm eggs and the tape is then stuck to a microscope slide. The eggs can be viewed under the microscope, as seen above. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Update Date: 9/25/2006

Updated by: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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