What is the recommended clinical specimen for recovery of Enterobius vermicularis in a pediatric patient?

The recommended clinical specimen for recovering Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm, in a pediatric patient is a series of Scotch tape preparations. This method is effective because pinworms are most often located in the perianal region, where female worms lay their eggs during the night. By applying and subsequently removing adhesive tape to the skin around the anus, any eggs that may have been deposited can adhere to the tape. This specimen can then be examined under a microscope for the presence of eggs, providing a reliable diagnosis.

Other methods, while they may be used in different contexts, do not target the specific area where Enterobius vermicularis is most commonly found in sufficient numbers for detection. Stool specimens, for instance, may not yield adequate results since eggs are rarely found in stool samples. Sigmoidoscopy scrapings involve invasive procedures that are unnecessary for pinworm detection, and duodenal aspirates are more relevant in diagnosing other types of intestinal infections rather than pinworms. Thus, the use of Scotch tape preparations is both a practical and effective approach for identifying the presence of pinworm eggs in pediatric patients.