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Test Code 457 Group B Streptococcus Rapid PCR

Important Note

  • The use of the Xpert GBS for intrapartum screening should not preclude the use of antepartum testing by culture. Intrapartum Xpert GBS results are useful to identify candidates for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis when administration of intravenous antibiotics is not delayed pending results.
  • The Xpert GBS assay does not provide susceptibility results. Culture isolates are needed for performing susceptibility testing as recommended for penicillin-allergic women.

Additional Codes

ALAB: STREPB

PowerChart: Strep Group B

MA Cerner: Strep Group B rPCR.

Test Method

Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (rPCR)

Specimen Requirement

Vaginal or rectal swab using a Cepheid collection device is required.
Copan double transport swab (Cepheid #900-0370)

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Specimen collection:

The hospital laboratory will distribute the Cepheid Collection Device.

  1. Obtain a Cepheid sample collection device.
  2. Open the Cepheid collection device by peeling back the outer packaging.
  3. Wipe away excessive amounts of secretions or discharge.
  4. Remove both marked swabs from the transport container.
  5. Carefully insert both marked swabs into the patient’s vagina. Sample secretions from the mucosa of the lower one-third part of the vagina. Rotate the swabs three times to ensure uniform sample on both swabs.
  6. Using the same marked swabs, carefully insert both swabs approximately 2.5 cm beyond the anal sphincter and gently rotate to sample anal crypts.
  7. Twist off the cap of the plastic transfer tube and discard it. Place both swabs into the plastic transport tube. The swabs should be all the way into the tube until they rest on top of the sponge at the bottom of the tube. Make sure the red cap is on tightly. The swabs should stay attached to the red cap at all times.
  8. Label the plastic transport tube appropriately with two identifiers, patient name and another identifier, (patient ID number, DOB, etc.) include specimen source, date and time of collection and the initials of the person collecting the specimen.

Storage

  • Swab specimen can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
  • The swab specimen is stable up to 6 days when stored refrigerated.

Performance

Testing is performed Sunday through Saturday.

Typically completed within 1.5 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Negative

Positive results are called to the nursing station or physician's office.

CPT Code Information

87653 Detection of Infectious Agents by Probe Techniques; Streptococcus, group B, amplified probe technique

Useful For

Detection of Streptococcus Group B in newborns from women who are colonized with the microorganism; major cause of death in newborns who develop sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis.
Intended for intrapartum screening.

LOINC Code Information

48683-7 Streptococcus agalactiae DNA [Presence] In Unspecified Specimen By Probe And Target Amplification Method