A Device for the Diagnosis of Enterobius Infection

Abstract

The procedure described below is a quick and simple method for trapping the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis on the adhesive surface of a specially prepared transparent cellulose tape, which is then placed on a microscope slide and examined as though it were an ordinary slide and coverglass preparation. A piece of “Scotch Cellulose Tape” of half-inch width and about 8 cm. long is folded down for about a centimeter at each end, adhesive surfaces together, to form two grips for handling. In use the ribbon of cellulose is held in forceps in a loop, adhesive surface on the outer side of the loop, and is patted down on the perianal skin. The extremely adhesive surface picks up epithelial scales, fecal particles, and ova if any be present. The tape is then placed lengthwise on a microscope slide, smoothed down with the side of the forceps and examined with a 16 mm. objective like any preparation under a coverglass.