Pinworm eggs

Pinworms are a common problem in children and may spread to adults (typically the parents or other care-givers). The eggs may be easily seen under a microscope. To obtain a sample, a piece of cellophane tape is pressed against the patient's anal opening. The sticky side of the tape picks up the pinworm eggs and the tape is then stuck to a microscope slide. The eggs can be viewed under the microscope, as seen above. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)