Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection Test
Short Name: GBS Antigen Test
Also known as: Group B Strep Antigen Test, GBS Antigen Detection, Streptococcus agalactiae Antigen Test
Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,030. Uses Latex Agglutination on Serum, CSF, or Urine samples. Results in Reports are typically available the same day or within 24 hours of sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection Test is to detect GBS antigens in body fluids, thereby enabling early diagnosis of Group B Streptococcal infections. This is particularly crucial for preventing severe complications such as neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia. Timely diagnosis facilitates the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy and reduces morbidity and mortality.
- Test Code
- 3672
- Price
- ₹1,030
- Sample Type
- Serum, CSF, or Urine
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available the same day or within 24 hours of sample collection.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Latex Agglutination
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. Inform your doctor about any antibiotics you are currently taking.
Method: Venipuncture for serum, lumbar puncture for CSF, clean-catch midstream for urine
Laboratory Analysis
For blood collection, a tourniquet is applied and a vein is punctured. For urine, a sterile container is provided for clean-catch midstream collection. For CSF, the sample is collected by a trained physician via lumbar puncture.
Report Delivery
You may resume normal activities immediately after sample collection. If the sample was collected via lumbar puncture, maintain a lying-down position for a short period as advised by the doctor.
Timeline: Reports are typically available the same day or within 24 hours of sample collection.
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection Test is to detect GBS antigens in body fluids, thereby enabling early diagnosis of Group B Streptococcal infections. This is particularly crucial for preventing severe complications such as neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia. Timely diagnosis facilitates the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy and reduces morbidity and mortality.
How to Prepare
- Serum sample: Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) of blood in an SST and allow to clot.
- CSF sample: Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) in a sterile screw-capped container.
- Urine sample: Collect 10 mL (minimum 5 mL) of random urine in a sterile screw-capped container.
- Store refrigerated or frozen as per the stability guidelines.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Early detection of Group B Streptococcus is critical in preventing neonatal sepsis and maternal infections. This antigen test offers a rapid and reliable tool for timely intervention."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Samples exceeding the recommended storage duration.
- Hemolyzed serum samples.
- Improperly labeled containers.
- Urine samples with signs of microbial contamination.
- CSF samples with visible blood contamination (for antigen testing).
Understanding Your Results
Positive
GBS antigen detected; suggests active Group B Streptococcal infection. Immediate clinical correlation and antibiotic therapy are recommended.
Negative
GBS antigen not detected; however, a negative result does not rule out infection. Consider culture or molecular testing for confirmation.
If you experience symptoms such as high fever, chills, difficulty breathing, lethargy, pain or burning during urination, or if you are pregnant and nearing delivery, consult your doctor about GBS testing.
Limitations
- ⚠Antigen detection is not as sensitive as culture or molecular methods.
- ⚠A negative result does not completely rule out GBS infection; confirmatory testing may be required.
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings.
- ⚠Cross-reactivity with other Streptococcus groups may occur.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk associated with blood draw (bruising, lightheadedness).
- ●Lumbar puncture carries risks such as headache, bleeding, or infection.
- ●No risk from a simple urine sample.
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent antibiotic therapy may cause false-negative results.
- ●Improper sample collection or contamination.
- ●Cross-reactivity with other Streptococcus species.
- ●Extremely low bacterial load may yield a false negative.
- ●Urea or protein in urine may interfere with the reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
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