Test ID: PINW
Pinworm Exam, Perianal
NY State Approved 
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Detection of the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis on the skin of the perianal folds
Special Instructions and Forms Describes specimen collection and preparation information, test algorithms, and other information pertinent to test. Also includes pertinent information and consent forms to be used when requesting a particular test
Method Name A short description of the method used to perform the test
Microscopic
Reporting Name A shorter/abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test; an abbreviated test name
Aliases Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Perianal Swab for Pinworms
Pinworms
Specimen Type Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Specimen Type: Perianal
Container/Tube: SWUBE disposable paddle (Falcon) (Supply T300) or similar method of collection
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions: See Pinworm Collection Instructions in Special Instructions.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Microbiology Request Form (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | NA |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms) are nematodes (roundworms) which are found worldwide in both temperate and tropical areas. The adults reside in the upper large intestine of humans and transmission is by the fecal-oral route. Adult females migrate to the perianal area, especially during the night, and deposit large numbers of eggs.
Pinworm infection is the most common helminth infection in the United States and is the most common in young school-age children of all social classes. Pinworms do not produce significant intestinal disease but can cause irritating pruritus in the perianal area. They have also been implicated in vulvovaginitis in pre-pubertal girls and possibly in urinary tract infections.
Several agents are effective in treating pinworm infection (pyrantel pamoate, mebendazole), and good personal hygiene will prevent transmission of the eggs.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Negative (reported as positive or negative)
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Positive results are provided indicating the presence of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Although adult pinworms and eggs can occasionally be observed in stool specimens, examination of feces is not the optimum method for detecting those parasites.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Mahmoud AAF: Intestinal nematodes (roundworms). In Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 4th edition. Edited by GL Mandell, RG Douglas Jr, JE Bennett. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1995, pp 2526-2530
Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
The disposable paddle is firmly pressed against right and left perianal folds first thing in the morning. The paddle is examined microscopically for the presence of pinworms and eggs. (Enterobius vermicularis [Pinworm] Detection by Swube or Scotch Tape Preparation. PROC 9177 version 001. Mayo Clinic Parasitology Laboratory. 2001)
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Monday through Friday; Varies
Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
Test Classification Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer's instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR), Investigation Use Only (IUO) product, or a Research Use Only (RUO) product.
CPT Code Information Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Medical Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
87172
LOINC® Code Information Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the result codes returned for this test or profile.
| Result ID | Reporting Name | LOINC Code |
|---|---|---|
| PINW | Pinworm Exam, Perianal | In Process |
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