Molecular Test for Group B Strep from Vaginal/Rectal Specimens
POWERCHART ORDER – Strep B PCR – GFH
Useful For
The Cepheid GBS LB assay is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for detection of Group B Streptococcus in either LIM broth cultures of vaginal/rectal swabs from antepartum women following 18 to 24 hours of incubation.
The Cepheid GBS LB Assay does not provide susceptibility results. Culture isolates are needed for performing susceptibility testing as recommended for penicillin-allergic women.
Screening for GBS colonization in antepartum women (between 35 and 37 weeks’ gestation), is one of the key components of the CDC’s GBS screening strategy and is an effective mechanism for prevention of perinatal Group B Streptococcal disease. As colonization may be transient, intermittent or persistent throughout pregnancy, screening is most effective when performed when specimens are collected no more than five weeks (35 to 37 weeks’ gestation) prior to delivery and after enrichment with selective broth medium.
Method Name
PCR Assay
Aliases
Strepb,strep,gbs,strepb,molecular,pcr
Specimen Type
- Vaginal/rectal swab specimens from antepartum women for enrichment broth culture should be collected, stored, and handled according to the CDC recommended clinical procedure.
Specimen Required
E-Swab of Vaginal/Rectal area
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 E-swab
Specimen Stability Information
- Must be collected in an E-Swab.
- Room Temperature E-swabs are stable for 48 hours
- Refrigerated E-swab specimens are stable for up to 5 days.
- Transport at Room temperature
Rejected Due To
- Specimen not collected in an E-Swab.
- Room Temperature E-swabs received after 48 hours
- Refrigerated E-swab specimens received after 5 days.
- Specimen not transported at Room temperature
Performing Laboratory
Glens Falls Hospital Microbiology Laboratory
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
- Day Shift
- 7 days per week
Analytical Time
1x daily
Specimen Retention Time
7 days for positive specimens
Analytical Time
1x daily