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Test Code LAB502 Group B Strep (GBS) Vaginal / Rectal Culture

Additional Codes:

C BHS

Includes:

Vaginal/rectal culture for Group B strep (Streptococcus agalactiae). No Gram stain performed.

Notes:

Special Instructions: 

CDC recommends performing routine GBS cultures at 35 - 37 week gestation.  Without using a speculum, obtain 1 - 2  swabs of the vaginal introitus and anorectum.

If patient is allergic to penicillin, write "Penicillin Allergy" on requisition. Susceptibility testing is performed only on isolates from penicillin allergic patients.

Collection:

Specimen:  Vaginal/Rectal

Container:  Swab in tranport kit such as the Eswab Collection & Transport System for Aerobic, Anaerobic & Fastidious Bacteria

Unacceptable / Rejected Specimens:  Cervical specimens, nonsterile or leaking containers.

Storage Instructions:

Ambient: 24 hours

Refrigerated: Unacceptable

Frozen: Unacceptable

Turnaround Time (TAT):

48 – 72 hours for preliminary positive cultures. Negative reports after 72 hours.

Test Availability:

24 hours a day / 7 Days a week

Request Form:

Microbiology – Green Request Form

Send To:

UMC MAIN LABORATORY Specimen Receiving – EH318 Children’s Hospital

Reference Interval:

No Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus isolated.