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Test Code GROUP B STREP BY PCR GROUP B STREP BY PCR

Department

Molecular

Specimen Type

Vaginal/Rectal Swab in Eswab media

Method

Real time PCR using the Genexpert system

Container

ESwab

Special Requirements

Sample without the use of lubricants. Lubricants interfere with the nucleic acid isolation.
1. Use gauze to wipe away excessive amounts of secretion or discharge from vaginal rectal area.

2. Remove the Collection Device from the pouch.

3. Carefully insert the swab into the patient's vagina. Sample secretions from the mucosa of the lower one-third part of the vagina. Rotate the swabs three times to ensure uniform sample on swab. Do not collect cervical sample.

4. Using the same double swab, carefully insert the swab approximately 2.5 cm beyond the anal sphincter, and gently rotate to sample anal crypts. 

NOTE: All Presumptive Negative results will automatically reflex a Strep B Culture.

Standard Volume

n/a

Minimum Volume

n/a

Pediatric Volume

N/A

Ship Temperature

Room Temperature

Stability Refrigerated

6 days

Stability Room Temp

24 hours

Stability Frozen

N/A

CPT Code

87653

Days Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Group Components

GROUP B STREP

Reflexive Disclosure

A culture will be performed on all Presumptive Negative Group B Strep by PCR results.

Clinical Information

Group B Strep bacterial infection is associated with serious illness in newborns born to women who are colonized with the microorganism. GBS infection is the major cause of death in newborns who develop sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. Currently, the standard of care for preventing neonatal GBS disease is screening pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation. Some women may not have this result prior to onset of labor. The Group B strep PCR test may be performed rapidly on a 24/7 basis which can help determine the need for antibiotics.

Test Use

The Cepheid Xpert Xpress GBS is a rapid test that is valuable in determining the Group B Strep colonization status of a women prior to giving birth.

Cautions

The use of lubricants prior to collection of the specimen interferes with the isolation process of the nucleic acid often resulting in INVALID results.
Inadequate sample collection may result in INVALID results.