Group B Streptococcus carriage screening

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

GOBS

Referral code

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Test information

Maternal high vaginal swabs should not be collected as these have a lower sensitivity. Collect specimens before antimicrobial therapy where possible. Specimen(s) for culture may be collected either by the physician or other qualified caregiver (or may be self-collected by the patient, with appropriate instruction). This involves swabbing the distal vagina (vaginal introitus), followed by the rectum. Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Group B Streptococcus screening

Pre-analytical

A single swab for both sites of collection is rational, but two different swabs can be used. Because lower vaginal as opposed to cervical cultures are recommended, cultures should not be collected by speculum examination.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Special requirements

Minimum volume

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

48 – 72 hours

TAT Inpatient

48 – 72 hours

TAT GP/Outpatient

48 – 72 hours

Referral lab