Streptococcus Group B by PCR
GBS PCR - GBS PCR Stat for Labor & Delivery Only (see Guidelines)
GBS PCR and reflex to enhanced culture if negative PCR, or positive PCR and patient is identified as pencillin-allergic
This test is best used for intrapartum testing when the woman has no record of prior GBS screening. It may be necessary to transport this test STAT for patients in labor at sites not performing this test. See Performed section below.
Specimen Collection Requirements
Remove both swabs from the transport container. Insert both swabs into the patient’s vagina, sampling secretions from the lower 1/3 of vagina. Rotate swabs 3 times to ensure uniform sample on both swabs. Then using the same swabs insert both swabs approximately 2.5 cm beyond the anal sphincter, rotate to sample anal crypts. Place both swabs back into the transport container. Label swab with patient identifiers, collection date and time.
One Transystem Double Swab
Room temperature (15-28ºC)
Swabs other than Transystem Double Swab; sources other than vaginal/rectal; frozen specimens or swabs beyond stability
Room Temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated at (2-8°C): 6 days for PCR, 2 days for backup culture
Testing Information
If patient is penicillin-allergic a note to that effect must be included on the order for susceptibility testing to be done.
Testing is performed at EH, MH, SC, and SV labs.
4 hours from receipt in lab
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Reference Values
Last Updated:
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 01:57:15 AM
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