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DNA Labs India

Culture Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Culture Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test

Short Name: GBS Culture Test

Also known as: GBS Test, Group B Strep Culture Test

Culture Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,229. Uses Chromogenic agar, Automated identification on High Vaginal Swab, Vaginal Swab, Rectal Swab samples. Results in Report available in 2 days after sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

CultureFemaleAdult🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

To diagnose Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant women, enabling timely intervention with intrapartum antibiotics to prevent serious infections in newborns during delivery.

Test Code
407
Price
₹1,229
Sample Type
High Vaginal Swab, Vaginal Swab, Rectal Swab
Result Time
Report available in 2 days after sample collection.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Chromogenic agar, Automated identification
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation required.

Method: Swab collection

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Swabs are collected from the lower vagina and rectum by a healthcare provider.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Place swabs in Amies transport medium and ship refrigerated to the laboratory.

Timeline: Report available in 2 days after sample collection.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation required. Inform your doctor of any recent antibiotic use.
2
During the Test:The test involves swab collection from vagina and rectum, which is quick and painless.
3
After the Test:Resume normal activities immediately. Results will be available in 2 days.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To diagnose Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant women, enabling timely intervention with intrapartum antibiotics to prevent serious infections in newborns during delivery.

How to Prepare

  • Collect swabs from lower vagina and rectum using sterile technique.
  • Use Amies transport medium provided by the laboratory.
  • Ship samples refrigerated within the stability period.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670

"GBS testing is crucial during pregnancy to prevent neonatal infections. Timely detection allows for intrapartum antibiotics, significantly reducing transmission risk to the baby."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeHigh Vaginal Swab, Vaginal Swab, Rectal Swab
ContainerAmies transport medium
Collection MethodSwab collection

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerator: 48 hours
Frozen: Not applicable
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Improperly labeled samples
  • Leaked or damaged transport medium
  • Incorrect sample type or container
  • Samples received beyond stability period

Understanding Your Results

Interpretation of GBS culture results helps guide clinical decisions for prenatal and intrapartum management.
Positive result: GBS detected, indicating colonization. Intrapartum antibiotics are recommended during labor to prevent transmission.
Negative result: No GBS detected. However, due to test limitations, clinical judgment is advised if symptoms arise.
⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If the test is positive, consult your obstetrician to plan for antibiotic prophylaxis during labor. Also, seek advice if you have symptoms like fever or unusual discharge during pregnancy.

Limitations

  • ⚠Culture may not detect all GBS strains, leading to false negatives
  • ⚠Sensitivity varies; consider repeat testing if clinical suspicion is high
  • ⚠Does not include antibiotic sensitivity testing

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minimal discomfort during swab collection
  • ●Rare risk of minor irritation or spotting

Interfering Factors

  • ●Recent antibiotic use may reduce bacterial growth and cause false-negative results
  • ●Improper sample collection or storage
  • ●Contamination during sample handling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GBS test?
A GBS test is a culture-based screening test that checks for Group B Streptococcus bacteria in pregnant women, typically collected from the vagina and rectum, to help prevent serious infection in newborns during delivery.
Why is GBS testing important during pregnancy?
GBS can cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections in newborns during delivery, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Testing allows your healthcare provider to plan for preventive intrapartum antibiotics during labor.
When should I get tested for GBS?
Testing is recommended between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy for all pregnant women. This timing ensures results are available before labor begins for optimal preventive care.
How is the GBS test performed?
A healthcare provider gently collects swabs from the lower vagina and rectum. The swabs are placed in a transport medium and sent to the laboratory, where they are cultured on selective media to detect GBS growth.
What does a positive GBS test mean?
A positive result means GBS bacteria are present in your vaginal or rectal area. Your doctor will plan for intrapartum antibiotics during labor to significantly reduce the risk of passing the infection to your baby.
Is the GBS test painful?
No, the test is quick and painless, involving simple swab collection from the vagina and rectum. Most women experience only minimal discomfort during the procedure.
How much does the GBS test cost?
At DNA Labs India, the GBS culture test costs INR 1228.5, which includes the test cost, free home sample collection, and consultation with a doctor if needed.
How long does it take to get GBS test results?
Results are typically available within 2 days after sample collection. You can access your report through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Can I eat or drink before the GBS test?
Yes, no fasting or special preparation is required for the GBS test. You can eat, drink, and carry on with your normal routine before sample collection.
What are the risks of GBS infection for my baby?
GBS can cause sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Early detection through screening and intrapartum antibiotics greatly reduce this risk.
If I test positive, what happens next?
Your obstetrician will plan for intrapartum antibiotics to be administered intravenously during labor. This significantly reduces the risk of GBS transmission to your baby during delivery.
Is home collection available for the GBS test?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings across numerous cities in India, providing convenience and comfort for expectant mothers.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

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Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

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