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HelpTest Code GBSC Culture, Group B Beta Strep, Vaginal/Rectal
Performing Laboratory
MaineGeneral Medical Center
Reference Values
No Group B Streptococcus
Day(s) Test Performed
Monday through Sunday
Methodology
Culture
This test may reflex to serotyping.
Susceptibility testing performed on request only; please indicate request on requisition.
Per CDC Guidelines: If a patient is penicillin allergic but not at high risk for anaphylaxis, cefazolin is the drug of choice to prevent neonatal Group B Streptococcus infection. Due to predictable susceptibility of Group B Streptococcus to cefazolin, routine susceptibility testing is unnecessary. If a patient is at high risk for penicillin allergy and will be treated with clindamycin or erythromycin, contact the MaineGeneral Medical Center Laboratory for susceptibility testing.
Specimen Requirements
Note: Collect specimen at 35 to 37 weeks gestation.
Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.
Vaginal/Rectal swab
1. Obtain vaginal/rectal (perineum) culture using a single culture transport swab unit.
2. Return swab to sterile culture tube.
3. Label tube with the patient's name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, the collector's initials and the specimen source.
4. Specimen source is required on the request form for processing.
5. Cervical specimens are not acceptable, do not use a speculum for collection.
Specimen stability:
4 days stored at room temperature and/or refrigerated at 2-8°C
Specimen rejection criteria:
Sample must arrive within 24 hours of collection
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87081