Routine, Prenatal Group B Strep PCR
Test Mnemonic
GBPCR
CPT Codes
- 87653 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
48683-7
Aliases
- Group B Streptococcus
- Group B Streptococcus PCR
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | Vaginal/rectal | Swab, culturette | Copan Dual Swab and Transport Systems, 139C LQ Stuart or 138C LQ Amies |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | Unacceptable. Will be rejected. |
Days Performed
7 days a week
Turnaround Time
2 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) |
Reference Range
Special Info
Specimens must be collected by swabbing the distal vagina, followed by the rectum (insert swab through the anal sphincter using the same swab). After receipt into the lab, the specimen is incubated for 18-24 hours in an appropriate enrichment broth medium prior to testing in order to enhance the detection of GBS. Stability of the swab specimen is 24 hours at room temperature, 6 days at 2-8C. Frozen specimens are unacceptable and will be rejected.
Clinical Info
Many women harbor Group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) that can cause infections during pregnancy or in neonates after birth. This test is intended for screening of pregnant women for vaginal and rectal Group B streptococcal colonization between 35 and 37 weeks gestation. Testing is performed 7 days/week, 24 hrs/day. If the patient is ß-lactam allergic, susceptibility testing should also be ordered. For the diagnosis of GBS disease, routine culture of the symptomatic body site (e.g., blood, CSF, amniotic fluid, joint fluid) should be ordered rather than a screening test.