Test Name: CULTURE: GROUP B STREP SCREEN
Test Code: 2137084
Alias: LAB1377
CPT Code(s): 87081  
Test Includes:

Culture for detection of Group B streptococcus from vaginal/rectal specimens

(This test does not include susceptibility testing.  If susceptibility testing is needed, please order test code 2138983 instead.)
Preferred Specimen: Swab (vaginal and anal site during pregnancy)
Container:

Eswab (preferred)
Alternate Container:

BBL culture swab (Liquid Amies or Liquid Stuart's transport media)
Collection Instructions:

Specimen should be submitted on a culture swab. Swab vagina first, then anus.

Transport Temperature:

Room temperature

Stability:

Room temperature: 24 hours

Refrigerated:  4 days
Rejection Criteria:

Specimens received in expired transport media, specimens collected from sites other than vagina/rectum.

 
Limitations:

Susceptibility testing on Group B strep isolates is not routinely performed, as all Group B strep strains are susceptible to penicillin. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin susceptibility testing can be done, if requested.

Note: if susceptibility testing on Group B strep isolates will be needed, please order test code 2138983 – Group B strep culture reflex susceptibility.
Additional Information:

The culture swab will be used to inoculate a broth media, according to CDC guidelines for pre-natal testing.  Presence or absence of Group B strep will be reported.  Susceptibility testing of penicillin for treatment of Group B strep is not necessary for clinical purposes since resistant strains have not been seen.  If the patient is allergic to penicillin, please  order test code 2138983; Group B strep / reflex susceptibility.  When this test code is ordered, Clindamycin susceptibility testing will be performed when Group B strep is present.  If the Group B strep isolate is resistant to Clindamycin, or is positive for inducible resistance, cefazolin may be used for intrapartum prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic women at low risk for anaphylaxis.  Vancomycin is recommended for women at high risk for anaphylaxis.  Susceptibility testing is not necessary for cefazolin and vancomycin as resistant strains have not been recognized.

 

 

Additional CPT codes/charges may apply.
Schedule:

Cultures are examined daily for up to 3 days
Method:

Bacterial culture

 

Swabs are placed in selective broth, which is incubated overnight.  Culture plates are

set up from the broth, these plates are incubated and examined daily for 1-2

days.  
Clinical Significance: This test includes a bacterial culture for the detection of Group B beta hemolytic strep. Most cases of early onset neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease have intrapartum pathogenesis. Attack rates increase 20 fold for infants born to group B streptococcal colonized mothers. Intrapartum prophylaxis in women with positive perinatal screens and certain perinatal risk factors can prevent early onset neonatal group B streptococcal disease.
Reference Ranges: Negative

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
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