The marker for GBS, or Group B Streptococcus, is a culture. This means a sample, usually from the vagina or rectum, is taken and grown in a laboratory to see if GBS bacteria are present.
Here's how it works:
- Sample Collection: A healthcare provider will swab the vagina and rectum of a pregnant woman.
- Lab Testing: The swab is sent to a lab where it is cultured.
- Identification: If GBS bacteria grow in the culture, it indicates the presence of the bacteria.
This test is usually performed between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is important to note that the presence of GBS doesn't always mean the baby will be infected. However, early detection allows for preventative measures, such as antibiotics during labor, to reduce the risk of infection.
