Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique

Useful for screening for maternal colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae at 35 to 37 weeks gestation as a guide for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to decrease the risk of infection by Streptpcoccus agalactiae in the infant.

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) is a cause of morbidity and mortality among infants. Infections occuring within the first week of life are considered early-onset; those occuring in infants > 1 week of age are considered late-onset. Maternal vaginal or rectal colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae is a risk factor for early-onset disease in infants. Ten to 30 % of pregnant women are vaginally or rectally colonized with Streptococcus agalactiae and may transmit the organism to their infant during labor and delivery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening for colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae at 35-37 weeks gestation as a guide for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to decrease the risk of infection with Streptococcus agalactiae in the infant.

When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may  be performed and charged. Cultures positive for Group B strep on penicillin allergic patients will have antibiotic susceptibility testing performed.