Pinworms Collecting a specimen (1045)

How do I get the specimen?

Pinworms gather around the opening of the bottom (anus) at night.  Specimen collection from the skin around the anus needs to be done first thing in the morning.  Do not let your child use the toilet or bathe before you get the specimen.

Steps:

1. Print your child’s name and date of birth on the kit from the lab. 

2. Hold the collection tube in one hand. Hold the cap of the tube with the other hand and pull the paddle from the tube.

3. Tell your child you have to wipe something on their bottom.  Tell your child that it won’t hurt, but they will feel you wipe their bottom. 

4. Have your child bend over and spread their butt cheeks.  If possible, have someone else help with younger children. 

5. One side of the paddle is coated with a non-toxic sticky material.  The side is marked “sticky side.”  Touch the sticky side to the skin all around the anus. Do not put the paddle into the anus.  

6. Put the paddle (cap) back into the tube and press firmly to close.

7. Take the kit to the lab as soon as possible. Put the kit in the refrigerator if you cannot go to the laboratory within two hours of collection.

It normally takes less than a day to get the test results back.  The results will be given to your child’s doctor.