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Test Code GBSC Culture, Group B Beta Strep, Rectal and Vaginal

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.

Rectal swab and/or vaginal swab are required.

Rectal Swab

1. Obtain culture of anorectum using a single culture transport swab unit.

2. Return swab to sterile culture tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

3. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen is acceptable at ambient or refrigerated temperature for up to 4 days.

5. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Vaginal Swab

1. Do not use speculum for collection.

2. Obtain culture of female’s vaginal introitus using a single culture transport swab unit.

3. Cervical specimen is not acceptable.

4. Return swab to sterile culture tube, and crush ampule to ensure specimen preservation.

5. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Specimen is acceptable at ambient or refrigerated temperature for up to 4 days.

7. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87081