Group B Streptococcus by PCR, Routine Prenatal Screening
Test Mnemonic
GBPCR
CPT Codes
- 87653 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
48683-7
Aliases
- agalactiae
- GBS
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
One | Vaginal/rectal | Swab, culturette | Collect specimen with Cepheid Collection Device, Oracle 1616432. | ||
One | Vaginal/rectal | E Swab |
Stability
Environmental Condition | Description |
---|---|
Ambient | 24 hours |
Refrigerated | 2 days |
Frozen | Unacceptable. Will be rejected. |
Days Performed
7 days a week
Turnaround Time
2 days
Methodology
Name | Description |
---|---|
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) |
Reference Range
Special Info
Specimens must be collected by swabbing the distal vagina, followed by the rectum (insert swab through the anal sphincter using the same swab). After receipt into the lab, the specimen is incubated for 18-24 hours in an appropriate enrichment broth medium prior to testing in order to enhance the detection of GBS. Stability of the swab specimen is 24 hours at room temperature, 6 days at 2-8C. Frozen specimens are unacceptable and will be rejected.
Clinical Info
Many healthy people harbor Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus [GBS]) in the vaginal and/or rectal area, but this bacterium can rarely cause neonatal infections if a baby is exposed to the bacterium during childbirth. This test is intended for screening of pregnant women for vaginal and rectal GBS colonization between 36 and 38 weeks gestation. The specimen is enriched with a broth culture before PCR is performed to attempt to detect GBS. If the patient is ß-lactam allergic, susceptibility testing should also be requested. Do not use this test to diagnosis of GBS infection.