Streptococcus Group B Culture
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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: Group B Strep, Group B Streptococcus, Streptococcus, Group B
Culture
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The Streptococcus Group B Culture test contains 1 test with 3 biomarkers .
Brief Description: The Streptococcus Group B Culture test, also known as the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test, is a laboratory test that identifies the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in samples typically taken from the vagina and rectum. The test involves growing (culturing) the samples on a specialized medium, which allows the bacteria to proliferate if present.
Collection Method: Swab collection
Specimen Type: Vaginal or rectal swab.
Important: Must be collected in a physician's office. Regular patient service centers such as Quest Diagnostics will not perform swab collections.
Test Preparation: No preparation required
When and Why a Streptococcus Group B Culture Test May Be Ordered
The primary scenario in which this test is ordered is for pregnant women, usually between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy. Here's why:
- Pregnancy Screening: GBS is a common bacterium often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract. While usually harmless in adults, GBS can pose serious health risks to newborns. If a woman is a carrier of GBS, there's a chance she can pass it to her baby during childbirth.
What the Streptococcus Group B Culture Test Checks For
This test detects the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria. If the bacteria grow in the culture medium, it indicates that the person is colonized with GBS.
Other Lab Tests Ordered Alongside Streptococcus Group B Culture Test
When a Streptococcus Group B Culture is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of infection risk, especially in pregnant women. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:
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Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential:
- Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
- Why Is It Ordered: In cases of suspected infection or colonization with GBS, particularly if symptoms are present, a CBC can help assess the body's response to infection.
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Urinalysis and Urine Culture:
- Purpose: To detect infection in the urinary tract.
- Why Is It Ordered: GBS can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), and it's important to screen for and treat these in pregnant women to reduce the risk of complications.
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- Purpose: To screen for gestational diabetes.
- Why Is It Ordered: Part of routine prenatal care, as gestational diabetes can affect pregnancy and the baby's health.
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test:
- Purpose: To screen for hepatitis B infection.
- Why Is It Ordered: Pregnant women are typically screened for hepatitis B, as it can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth.
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Rubella and Varicella Immunity Testing:
- Purpose: To confirm immunity to rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox).
- Why Is It Ordered: To ensure the mother is immune, as these infections can cause serious complications during pregnancy.
These tests, when ordered alongside a Streptococcus Group B Culture, provide a comprehensive evaluation of the health status and infection risks for pregnant women and their babies. They are crucial for preventing potential complications during pregnancy and childbirth and for ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s medical history, current health status, and stage of pregnancy.
Conditions or Diseases that Require a Streptococcus Group B Culture Test
The main conditions associated with the GBS Culture test include:
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Pregnancy: As a routine screening measure to identify mothers who might pass on the infection to their newborns.
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Neonatal Sepsis, Pneumonia, or Meningitis: Newborns with GBS can develop these conditions shortly after birth.
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GBS Bacteriuria: When GBS is detected in the urine, which might indicate a higher colonization in the body.
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Invasive GBS disease in non-pregnant adults: Though rare, adults with certain chronic medical conditions, like diabetes or liver disease, can get GBS infections.
Usage of Results from Streptococcus Group B Culture Test by Health Care Providers
The results of the GBS culture test can inform several clinical decisions:
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Administering Antibiotics: Pregnant women who test positive for GBS are typically given antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of passing the bacteria to the baby.
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Assessing Neonatal Risk: If a mother is known to be GBS-positive, her newborn will be closely monitored for signs of a GBS infection.
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Treatment Decisions: For non-pregnant adults with a GBS infection, the results can guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.
In conclusion, the Streptococcus Group B Culture test is a critical diagnostic tool, especially in the context of prenatal care. It plays a pivotal role in preventing neonatal infections and ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and baby.
Most Common Questions About the Streptococcus Group B Culture test:
Purpose and Clinical Indications for the Streptococcus Group B Culture Test
Why is the Streptococcus Group B Culture test ordered?
The Streptococcus Group B Culture test is primarily ordered to identify the presence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria. GBS can cause infections in newborns, pregnant women, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems. Detecting it, especially in pregnant women, is essential to prevent passing the bacteria to newborns during delivery.
What are the health implications of a positive Streptococcus Group B Culture test in non-pregnant individuals?
In non-pregnant adults, a positive result indicates the presence of GBS, which can cause infections like bloodstream infections, bone and joint infections, skin and soft-tissue infections, and in severe cases, pneumonia or meningitis.
Interpretation of Results
What does a positive result on the Streptococcus Group B Culture test mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria. In pregnant women, it means they carry the bacteria and can potentially pass it to their baby during childbirth. In non-pregnant individuals, it may mean they have an active GBS infection or are carriers without symptoms.
Is it possible to be a carrier of Group B Streptococcus without having an active infection?
Yes, it's possible to be a carrier of GBS without showing symptoms or having an active infection. Many people carry GBS in their body but don't get sick from it. The primary concern is for pregnant carriers who can pass the bacteria to their newborns during childbirth.
Implications and Medical Management
If I test positive for Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy, how can transmission to my newborn be prevented?
If a pregnant woman tests positive for GBS, she'll typically be given antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of passing the bacteria to the baby. This prophylactic treatment has been shown to significantly reduce the chances of early-onset GBS disease in newborns.
Are there potential complications for newborns if the Streptococcus Group B Culture test is positive in a pregnant mother and no intervention is made?
Yes, if a GBS-positive mother does not receive antibiotics during labor, the newborn is at risk of contracting GBS. This can lead to early-onset GBS disease in the baby, which can manifest as sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis within the baby's first week of life.
Test Specifics
How is the Streptococcus Group B Culture test different from rapid GBS tests?
The Streptococcus Group B Culture test involves growing the bacteria from the sample in a laboratory, which provides definitive evidence of its presence. This process can take several days. In contrast, rapid GBS tests detect the bacteria more quickly, often within a few hours, but might not be as accurate as the culture method.
If I was negative for Group B Streptococcus in a previous pregnancy, do I need to be tested again in my next pregnancy?
Yes, GBS carriage can be transient, meaning you can test negative at one point and positive at another. Changes in GBS status can occur even within a single pregnancy. Thus, routine screening is recommended for each pregnancy, usually between the 35th and 37th weeks.
Why is the Streptococcus Group B Culture test typically done between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy?
Testing for GBS is done between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy because this timing is believed to best predict the GBS status of the mother during labor. Testing earlier might not provide an accurate representation of the mother's status at delivery, as colonization can change.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.