What collection method is recommended for detecting Enterobius vermicularis eggs?

What collection method is recommended for detecting Enterobius vermicularis eggs?

• A. Urine sample
• B. Blood smear
• C. Stool culture
• D. Cellulose tape slides

Answer: (D)

Eggs of Enterobius vermicularis are laid around the anus at night, so the most reliable way to detect them is to collect them from that perianal area with an adhesive surface. Using cellulose tape slides in the early morning, before washing or bathing, captures the eggs that have been deposited on the skin. The tape is pressed to the perianal skin and then placed on a microscope slide for examination, allowing eggs to be seen under the microscope. Stool samples are not ideal because pinworm eggs are not consistently present in feces, and the eggs concentrate around the perianal region rather than in stool. Urine and blood tests don’t target intestinal parasite eggs, so they’re not useful for this diagnosis. The adhesive tape method is preferred because it directly samples where the eggs are laid, providing higher sensitivity for detection.

Eggs of Enterobius vermicularis are laid around the anus at night, so the most reliable way to detect them is to collect them from that perianal area with an adhesive surface. Using cellulose tape slides in the early morning, before washing or bathing, captures the eggs that have been deposited on the skin. The tape is pressed to the perianal skin and then placed on a microscope slide for examination, allowing eggs to be seen under the microscope.

Stool samples are not ideal because pinworm eggs are not consistently present in feces, and the eggs concentrate around the perianal region rather than in stool. Urine and blood tests don’t target intestinal parasite eggs, so they’re not useful for this diagnosis. The adhesive tape method is preferred because it directly samples where the eggs are laid, providing higher sensitivity for detection.