Collection Medium:

Testing
Schedule:

0700-2200, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

Cultures are completed within 2-3 days.

Comments:

A culture used to screen OB or pediatric specimens for Group B 
Streptococcus.

CDC recommends universal prenatal screening for vaginal and rectal GBS 
colonization of all pregnant women at 35-37 weeks gestation.  Swab the 
lower vagina, followed by the rectum using the same swab.

Reference:
1. CDC. Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease.  Revised 
Guidelines from CDC.  MMWR. August 16, 2002; 51(RR-11).

Sample
Processing:

Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Transport
Instructions:

Coolant packs up to 8 hours.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.

CPT Code:

87081