The tape test is used to diagnose pinworms by detecting what?

The tape test is used to diagnose pinworms by detecting what?

• A. Pinworms or their eggs in the tape sample
• B. White blood cells in stool
• C. Virus particles in saliva
• D. Bacteria in throat swab

Answer: (A)

The tape test detects pinworm eggs collected from the perianal area. Pinworms lay their eggs around the anus, especially at night, so pressing adhesive tape to the perianal skin first thing in the morning picks up eggs that can then be seen under a microscope. This is specific to pinworms and wouldn’t be used to identify white blood cells in stool, virus particles in saliva, or bacteria in a throat swab, which point to other kinds of infections. Because egg shedding can vary, sometimes the test is done on consecutive mornings to improve accuracy.

The tape test detects pinworm eggs collected from the perianal area. Pinworms lay their eggs around the anus, especially at night, so pressing adhesive tape to the perianal skin first thing in the morning picks up eggs that can then be seen under a microscope. This is specific to pinworms and wouldn’t be used to identify white blood cells in stool, virus particles in saliva, or bacteria in a throat swab, which point to other kinds of infections. Because egg shedding can vary, sometimes the test is done on consecutive mornings to improve accuracy.