A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis

Test Code
PINW


CPT Codes
87172

Preferred Specimen
One Swube Disposable applicator with 17 x 100 paddle


Instructions
  1. The patient should take a bath the night before the specimen is obtained, washing the rectal area well.
  2. The specimen is obtained first thing in the morning before a bowel movement.
  3. Remove paddle from tube and touch sticky side of paddle to area around anal opening while spreading open the perianal folds.
  4. Do not use paddle as a scoop.
  5. Do not insert paddle into anal opening (any eggs from pinworms should have been deposited just outside the anus).
  6. Place the paddle back inside the container.
  7. The worms may not migrate each night. For diagnosis, the test should be repeated on at least 3 successive mornings. To be considered infection-free, daily consecutive specimens (>6) should be obtained.


Setup Schedule
24x7


Reference Range
None Seen


Clinical Significance
Infection by Enterobius vermicularis, or commonly known as pinworm, is worldwide in distribution. It is most often seen in young children. The adult female Enterobius migrates out of the anal orifice and deposits her eggs in the perianal area. Since the eggs are usually not found in the stool diagnostic methods other than stool exam must be used. Diagnostics depends on recovery of typical Enterobius vermicularis eggs.


Performing Laboratory
CRMC Microbiology



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.