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Test Code GENCB Culture, Group B Streptococcus, Genital

Additional Codes

EPIC: LAB502

Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique
Identification will automatically be performed at an additional charge.
Group B streptococcus is often the cause of neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and respiratory distress. Antibiotic treatment before birth can decrease the bacterial colonization of newborn infants and decrease infection rates. It is recommended that all pregnant women be screened.

Performing Laboratory

St. Joseph Hospital

Specimen Requirements

Rectal swab and vaginal swab are required for this test. Submit as 1 culture using a double swab.

 

Rectal
1. Obtain culture of anorectum using a Fisherbrand® transport swab.
2. Place swab in sterile Fisherbrand® transport tube with Stuart’s transport media to ensure specimen preservation.
3. Label tube with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, location of patient, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

 

Vaginal
1. Obtain culture of vaginal introitus using a Fisherbrand® transport swab. (Cervical swab is not acceptable.)
2. Place swab in sterile Fisherbrand® transport tube with Stuart’s transport media to ensure specimen preservation.
3. Label tube with patient’s full name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if available), date and time of collection, location of patient, and type of specimen.
4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note:  Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

No group B streptococcus isolated

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070 - culture
87077 - identification (if appropriate)