PCA™ Pinworm egg collection

PCA™ Pinworm egg collection/transport apparatus

At the laboratory, processing the sample is as follows:

1. Label the slide.
2. Using forceps, lift up a portion of the red tab.
3. With the adhesive surface facing the slide and the red tab against the frosted area, gently roll the adhesive tape off the pinworm egg picker-upper and onto the microscope slide as illustrated. Remember, the outside surface is the sticky surface.
4. A drop of xylene or toluene can be added to the slide by lifting the tape. This will “clear” the tape and provide a more transparent viewing surface. Using the 10× objective, examine the slide under low power. Any pinworm eggs will easily be seen; they are somewhat football-shaped with one flattened side. Some of the eggs may contain a fully developed larval form. It is important to remember that a minimum of four consecutive negative specimens should be obtained before the patient is considered free of infection. In order to deposit her eggs on the perianal skin, the female pinworm migrates from the intestinal tract on a random basis, so it is important to sample the the perianal area on consecutive days.

Patent #: 5,063,026