Group B Streptococcus

What is Group B Streptococcus?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can be found in a woman’s vagina or rectum. It can be passed on to infants during childbirth, and is the most common cause of serious, often life-threatening, infections in babies after birth in the UK. This can include meningitis in babies up to three months old.

The passing of the infection from mother to baby can be prevented by antibiotics to the mother during childbirth. These should be given intravenously, as oral antibiotics have been shown to be much less effective. However, the important thing is to know whether the mother has an infection, as GBS is not routinely tested for in the UK.

Is this GBS test accurate?

The test should be taken no more than five weeks before the birth, when it is 96% predictive of whether the mother will have an infection at the time of the birth. This means that 4% of infections are acquired after the test was completed. Around 13% of GBS infections will have cleared up in the time between testing and childbirth.

If you test positive for GBS you should inform your midwife immediately.

How does this GBS test work?

We will send your home sample, Group B Streptococcus Testing Kit to an address of your preference. It contains two swabs; one for your vagina (which will go 2 to 4cm deep so as not to harm your baby) and one for your rectum (1 to 2cm deep). It is important that you follow the instructions we send to you very carefully when collecting your samples.

When will my GBS kit arrive?

If you order your test by 4pm on a weekday, we will post it out to you by first class post the same day. Tests normally arrive the next working day or the day after, depending where you live.

How long before I get my GBS results?

Typically, the results of your GBS test should be available within three working days from when your samples arrive at the laboratory. Your results will be uploaded on to the secure patient area of our website.

What happens if my GBS test is positive?

You should inform your midwife straight away. They will be able to advise you on the next steps as well as any amendments they will want to make to your birth plan.

Is testing for STDs with Better2Know confidential?

Yes. Your results and personal details are 100% confidential and we will not inform your GP, or anyone else, without your permission.

When should I have my GBS test?

You should wait till the last five weeks of your pregnancy before collecting your swabs. The swabs do not have a ‘use by’ date, so you can order your kit whenever you wish.