Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening Culture, Vaginal/Rectal

Synonyms

• AGALACTIAE
• BETA-HEMOLYTIC
• GROUP B STREP CULTURE
• GROUP B STREP SCREEN BY CULTURE
• LAB1377
• PRENATAL
• STREPTOCOCCI

Cerner Name

Group B Strep Culture

Clinical Info

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B) (GBS) has been recognized as the leading infectious cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Early onset neonatal disease results from transmission of GBS during labor and delivery from mother to infant. This can be characterized by septicemia, pneumonia, or meningitis and can result in death or permanent neurological problems.
Intrapartum ampicillin prophylaxis can prevent early onset neonatal GBS disease in women with positive prenatal cultures for GBS and certain prenatal risk factors. As a result, professional guidelines recommend that pregnant women be screened for GBS at 36 to 38 weeks of gestation.

Specimen Sources

Vaginal/Rectal

Specimen Types

Swab

Specimen Volume

Container

Eswab

Collection Instructions

E-swab, Routine Culturette swab and Lim Broth are acceptable

1. Do not use speculum for collection.
2. Using only 1 sterile culture swab, swab the lower vagina followed by the rectum.
3. Cervical specimen is not acceptable.
4. Return swab to sterile culture transport tube to ensure specimen preservation.
5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of
specimen.
Note: 1. Collect specimen late in pregnancy (<4 weeks before delivery).
2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Transport Instructions

Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature.

Specimen Stability

Up to 48 hours at room temperature

Methodology

Bacterial Culture.

Days Performed

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratories

Northwell Health Laboratories

CPT

87081

PDM

6201302

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms