Lab

GBS Culture

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GBS Culture, Group B Streptococcus Culture

  • Indications
  1. Prenatal GBS Screening
  • Technique
  • Obtaining culture
  1. Use Bacterial culture swab (often red topped swab as used for Throat Culture)
    1. Swab the vaginal introitus
    2. Swab the inside of the anal sphincter with same swab or a different swab
  2. Notify lab that culture is for Group B Streptoccus
    1. Clearly label culture swab as vaginal and rectal source for GBS Culture
    2. Order swab for GBS Culture
    3. Note in order if high risk for Anaphylaxis with Penicillin or Cephalosporin allergy (Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, Urticaria history)
      1. Lab will perform Clindamycin and Erythromycin susceptibility testing
  3. Transport swab in non-nutritive media
    1. Remains viable for several days at room Temperature
    2. Sample degrades with high Temperatures
    3. Refrigerate sample if risk of heat exposure or delay in plating
  • References
  1. Verani (2010) MMWR Recomm Rep 59(RR-10): 1-36 [PubMed]