On Oct. 31, Salem Health Laboratory began PCR-based testing for Group B streptococcus from vaginal/rectal specimens of antepartum women.
Though culture is the standard method for the diagnosis of GBS, it has limitation in time and sensitivity. Current culture testing requires 48-72 hours. The new PCR based testing is performed after an 18-hour broth incubation to further increase sensitivity and will result in 24 hours with a stated sensitivity of 99 percent.
Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice with no resistance to GBS so far. Susceptibility testing is only performed on penicillin-allergic patients.
Group B streptococcus is a leading cause of sepsis, meningitis and death among newborn infants in the U.S. Approximately 10-40 percent of pregnant women are colonized by GBS which can be transmitted to the neonate. Neonatal infection can be prevented in most cases by providing intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis to the colonized mother. Current guidelines recommend screening all pregnant women for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks gestation to optimize the identification of women who should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.
Please note: Order code, specimen collection and transport requirements will not change from the current procedures.
Order Code: BSCRN
Epic Order Code: LAB7014
CPT Code: 876653
More information: www.testmenu.com/salemhealthlab/Tests/753334