Pinworm Ova

The instruction below is for the collection of a perianal skin specimen from one patient for microscopic detection of Enterobius (pinworm) using a vial with a sticky paddle on the screw cap. Since daily amounts of pinworm organisms near the perianal area can vary, up to five additional specimens may be collected over the span of one to two weeks to increase the likelihood of detection. Collect each additional specimen separately using a new kit.

For further information about pinworm specimen collection and testing, refer to PHO’s Enterobius (Pinworm) – Microscopy webpage.

Note: Do NOT use this kit for parasites other than pinworm, instead use the Enteric Parasite Microscopy Kit.

Instructions:
Ideally, samples should be collected first thing in the morning upon waking up and before washing of the perianal area or using the toilet.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water and then dry your hands.
2. Obtain the specimen collection vial.
3. Check that the vial is not expired based on the expiry date on the vial. If expired, return the vial to the location where it was obtained.
4. If not already done, label the vial with the date of collection, full name, and one other unique identifier such as date of birth or health care number. Note: The date of collection, name, date of birth, and/or health card number on each vial label MUST match exactly the information given on the test requisition. Mismatched information may result in specimen cancellation or testing delay.
5. If available, wear disposable (e.g. latex) gloves.
6. Uncap the vial, being careful not to touch the sticky surface of the paddle with your hands. Note: Do NOT break off the paddle from the cap.
7. While holding the cap, press the sticky surface of the paddle against the perianal skin with moderate pressure, using a rocking motion to cover as much of the perianal skin as possible. Note: Do NOT defecate on the paddle or insert the paddle into the anal sphincter, simply press the paddle on the skin folds over the anal region. The paddle should not be visibly soiled with feces.
8. Return paddle with cap carefully into the vial and screw the cap back on tightly.
9. If worn, dispose of the disposable gloves.
10. Wash your hands with soap and water and then dry your hands.
11. Place the vial in the biohazard bag.
12. Peel the adhesive at the bag opening to seal the bag.
13. Fold and insert the filled-out test requisition in the pocket on the outside of the sealed biohazard bag.  
14. Give the specimen to the community specimen collection site, hospital laboratory, institution, or local public health unit on the same day that the specimen was collected. NOTE: Do NOT delay submission of the collected specimen, submit it as soon as possible.
15. At the specimen collection site, hospital laboratory, institution, or local public health unit, store the biohazard bag containing the specimen vial at room temperature, or alternatively in a clean and uncluttered refrigerator, until shipped to PHO’s laboratory.

Storage of unused kits: Do NOT use expired kits. Check expiry dates on kits before collecting specimens, Kits may be used until the last day of the month of expiry. Kits can be stored at room temperature until stated expiry date.

Disposal of expired kits: The expired kits may be returned by the community specimen collection site, hospital laboratory, institution, or local public health unit to PHO for disposal if they are not a registered waste generator. Returns of expired kits should be clearly indicated as “Expired Kits” on the shipping container. PHO does not cover shipping costs for returned items. For return authorization and further directions, contact PHOL.Warehouse@oahpp.ca.