Group B Strep Culture
Main Content
Test Code(s) 5617
CPT Code(s) 87081
Includes If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149). Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Methodology Bacterial culture, aerobic isolation and identification. Procedure includes broth enhanced culture
Clinical Significance Group B Streptococci can be one of the most significant pathogens in the neonatal period. The organism is transmitted to the newborn through the birth canal. Prepartum vaginal introitus and anorectal cultures are important to determine carriage.
Alternative Name(s) Streptococcus, Group B,Culture, Group B Strep,Strep
Preferred specimen(s) Prepartum patients: obtain one or two swabs using either a red cap, amies liquid transport medium swab or blue cap, amies gel medium swab of the vaginal introitus and the anorectum as recommended by the CDC.
Minimum volume One transport swab
Transport container Transport swab
Transport temperature Room temperature
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: unacceptable
- Expired transport device
- Frozen specimen
- Viral transport device
- DNA probe transport device
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.
CLIA