Pinworm – Enterobius vermicularis
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Worm Identification/Pinworm1 |
Cellophane tape/ Plastic pinworm paddle4 |
N/A |
Submission and Collection Notes
The suspected organism may be included under the ‘Test Description’.
Please note on the requisition (under other): If the patient has Eosinophilia, HIV, is immunocompromised, has a critical illness or was admitted to ICU, or had a previous parasitic infection.
Indicate Country/Region and if the patient is a new immigrant or refugee or returned traveler under ‘Travel’ section of the requisition. It is imperative that the foreign country be identified.
Cellophane tape/plastic pinworm paddle applied to perianal region.
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Place specimen container in a biohazard bag and seal. Store specimen at Room Temperature prior to shipping to PHO laboratory.
Special Instructions
Collect sample first thing in the morning before washing or using toilet. Apply tape applicator to the anus, using a rocking motion to cover as much of the perianal mucosa as possible.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Pinworm/Enterobius vermicularis specimen testing turnaround time is up to 3 days from receipt by the PHO laboratory.
Pinworm/Enterobius vermicularis specimens are examined by microscopy to complete the identification.
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