GBS screening
Pronunciation: G-B-S screening
Also written as: GBS — Group B Streptococcus
Group B Streptococcus testing performed in pregnant women between 35-37 weeks to guide intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.
Full Definition
GBS (Group B Streptococcus) screening is a standard prenatal test performed between 35-37 weeks of gestation to detect the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in the vaginal and rectal areas. Group B Strep is a common bacterium that can be harmlessly carried by adults but may cause serious infections in newborns if transmitted during delivery. The test involves collecting samples with sterile swabs from the vaginal introitus and rectum, which are then cultured to detect bacterial growth. Women who test positive, or who have certain risk factors, receive intravenous antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of early-onset GBS disease in their newborns. This screening has significantly reduced neonatal GBS infections.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'GBS' rather than 'Group B Strep' in clinical documentation; timing is critical (35-37 weeks).
In Context
- "The patient's GBS screening at 36 weeks was positive, so she will receive penicillin during labor." — prenatal visit note
- "Due to preterm labor onset before GBS screening could be completed, empirical antibiotic prophylaxis was initiated." — labor and delivery note