Pinworm identification using the adhesive tape technique or Graham test is a common method for detecting the presence of these intestinal parasites, especially in children, since pinworm infection is quite common in that population.

The procedure involves:

Sample collection: This is usually done in the morning, before the patient washes or bathes. A clear adhesive strip (cellophane tape, clear adhesive tape, or similar) is used and gently pressed against the skin around the anus for a few seconds. This is done to collect possible pinworm eggs that may have been deposited overnight.

Laboratory examination: The adhesive strip is placed on a slide or adhered to a glass slide for laboratory analysis. Pinworm eggs, which look like small ovals, can be observed under a microscope to confirm infection.

This test is useful for detecting the presence of pinworms, as the eggs of these parasites can be transferred to the skin around the anus when the female pinworm lays her eggs at night.