Infestation with pinworms is fairly common in children. The female worm lays her eggs at night around the anal region. The best diagnostic procedure, therefore, is some method to swab the anal region thoroughly with an adhesive substance such as transparent celluloid tape (Scotch tape). The sticky surface with the eggs can then be directly applied to a glass slide and later examined microscopically for the characteristic pinworm ova. Such slides can also be sent through the mail, if necessary. Swabs lightly coated with vaseline are also useful to obtain specimens. The best time for obtaining the parasite ova is early in the morning, before the child gets up. Stool samples are less satisfactory for diagnosis of enterobiasis. Since the worms do not lay eggs every night, repeated specimens may be necessary.