Strep Group B Detection

Test Code

Lab3252

Alias/See Also

DRSB
Intrapartum (Rapid) Group B Detection
Group B Streptococcus RT-PCR

CPT Codes
87653

Preferred Specimen

Vaginal swab

Instructions

1. Wipe away excessive amounts of secretions or discharge.
2. Remove both marked swabs from the transport container.
3. Carefully insert both marked swabs into the patient’s vagina.
4. Sample secretions from the mucosa of the lower one-third part of the vagina.
5. Rotate the swabs three times to ensure uniform sample on both swabs.
6. Place both swabs in the transport container.
7. Label patient identification.
8. Leave at room temperature until transport to the laboratory for testing.

Transport Container

COPAN liquid Stuart medium dual applicator with Molded Break point ONLY

Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Ambient – 24 hours

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Improper collection
Improper swab
Improper or no label
Storage and stability specifications not met

Methodology
GeneXpert Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Setup Schedule

Daily, all shifts

Reference Range

Not detected

Clinical Significance

Because approximately 10 to 30 percent of all pregnant women are colonized with Streptococcus agalactiae (group B), the prevention of vertical transmission of the organism to the infant is of great concern. Studies have shown that intrapartum administration of antibiotics, particularly ampicillin, to the mother is successful in interrupting transmission. Those women experiencing early labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, previ-ously diagnosed with infections, or a history of maternal fever are at particularly high risk for group B strep-tococcal colonization and/or infection and should be screened by either culture or rapid detection.

Performing Laboratory
Meritus Molecular Diagnostics – Microbiology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.