Laboratory Services

Group B Strep Culture

Name: Incyte Diagnostics
Address: 13103 E Mansfield Ave, Spokane Valley, Washington, 99216, USA
Telephone: +1-

Test Description	Group B Strep Culture
Synonym(s)	Group B Strep Screen, GBS culture, GBS screen, Prenatal screen
Test ID	CULTBSTREP
General Information	Beta-hemolytic Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, is important to identify in rectal/genital tracts because of its ability to cause serious neonatal infections.
Specimen Type	Vaginal/Rectal
Specimen Requirements	Bacterial Culture Transport Swab w/gel, Amies Transport swab, Eswab. Other transport systems also accepted.
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions	Obtain a swab of the distal vagina and anorectum between 35-37 weeks gestation.
Stability	Ambient: 48 hours
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions	Frozen, delayed greater than 48 hours in transport
Limitations	A positive culture indicates colonization with Group B Streptococcus, which may or may not indicate infection.
Department (code)	Microbiology
Methodology	Culture
Estimated TAT	2-4 days
Testing Schedule	Mon-Sun
CPT Code(s)	87070
Reflex Conditions	None
Performing Lab	Incyte Diagnostics
LOINC Code(s)	72607-5
Additional Information	Colonization of the maternal tract is associated with colonization of infants and a risk of neonatal infections characterized by pneumonia, sepsis, and possible meningitis. GBS is also associated with postpartum infections in the mother. The CDC recommends screening of all pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation for the presence of GBS through the collection of a cervical, perianal, perirectal, or perineal specimen.