Laboratory: Clinical Microbiology
Test Name:
STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE (GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS), CULTURE, VAGINAL/RECTAL COLONIZATION, SWAB
Test Code: None
Clinical Information:
Test Indications:
All pregnant female patients, at 36-38 weeks' gestation.

Recommendations:
-  Please indicate if patient is allergic to penicillin because testing for clindamycin and vancomycin should be routinely performed in these cases.
-  Cervical, perianal, perirectal, or perineal specimens are NOT acceptable.

Patient Preparation Instructions:
Not applicable.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required: Adult:  Swab the lower vagina (vaginal introitus), followed by the rectum (insert swab through the anal sphincter), using the same swab.  Then place the swab in transport media and submit to lab.
Referral:

Transport at ambient temperature.
Testing Laboratory (MB): Health Science Center, St. Boniface Hosp., Westman lab., The Pas Health Complex
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Positive:  Positive for Group B Streptococcus.
Negative:  Negative for Group B Streptococcus.
Method of Analysis: Selective Enrichment and Culture
Availability:
Daily
See Also:
More Information:
Specimen Handling:
Label specimen with patient name; ensure requisition contains demographic information. 
Store at room temperature ≤24 hours.  Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature. 

Alternate Name(s): Pre-natal Group B screen