Used to detect colonization in pregnant women with beta-hemolytic Streptococcus group B.

Group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) colonizes the vagina and rectum of many women causing serious neonatal infections (sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia) during the birthing process.  Most neonatal group B streptococci infections can be prevented by using intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis in women who are at increased risk for transmitting the infection to their newborns.

Used to detect beta-hemolytic Streptococcus group B only. Contact laboratory for assistance with ordering culture for Group A streptococci. 

1. To prevent serious infection, CDC recommends that vaginal/rectal cultures for group B streptococci be performed at 35-36 weeks of gestation.  
2.  Prophylactic antibiotics will be offered to group B streptococci carriers during labor and delivery to prevent neonatal infection.
3.  Culture method used for the Culture group B Strep Screen order is selective for Group B Streptococcus only.

Aerobic culture selective for Group B streptococci.

Includes identification of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus group B (additional charge). 

Includes clindamycin susceptibility testing on beta-hemolytic Streptococcus Group B isolate when pregnant patient is identified as penicillin allergic.

Although uncommon in the United States, Group A (S. pyogenes) can cause puerperal sepsis and vaginal or cervical specimens may be cultured. Contact laboratory for assistance with ordering culture for Group A streptococci.