July is International Group B Strep Awareness Month. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria often found in the intestines or lower genital tract that can cause infections, particularly in newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is particularly important to detect GBS in pregnant women because it can be transmitted to newborns during childbirth and cause severe infections. Detection and quality control of GBS are two of the most important aspects for the accurate diagnosis and prevention of infections. Whether it’s sample collection and preservation or quality controls materials Medical Supply Company has got you covered!
Group B Strep Sample Collection
Proper sample collection is essential to ensure accurate GBS detection. In the case of pregnant women, vaginal and rectal swabs are commonly used to screen for GBS colonisation. Traditional culture, using selective agar, is routinely used to detect GBS. Molecular testing is continuing to grow in popularity as it provides rapid and sensitive results, allowing for timely diagnosis and appropriate patient management. Laboratories may incorporate PCR-based methods alongside or instead of traditional culture methods, depending on their available resources and guidelines.
Copan’s eSwab is the perfect collection and transport device for GBS sampling as it can be used by the lab for both culture and molecular applications. eSwab consists of a flocked swab and a tube containing 1mL of liquid Amies. Liquid amies is a multipurpose medium intended for the collection and transport of clinical specimens containing aerobes, anaerobes, and fastidious bacteria. The amies medium helps preserve the viability of the collected microorganisms during transportation to the laboratory – bacterial recovery; 48h at room temp.
In contrast to traditional fibre swabs, a fibre swab in which a sample can get trapped, a flocked swab has no internal core. Nylon fibres are sprayed onto the plastic applicator and act as a soft velvet brush allowing improved sample collection. Capillary action between the Nylon® fibre strands facilitates strong uptake of liquid samples. The sample stays close to the surface allowing fast and complete elution.
Group B Strep Quality Control Testing
Quality control (QC) measures are crucial in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic test results. Regularly performing QC strains, both positive and negative, helps verify the accuracy of the testing methods and reagents used in the laboratory. Good QC practices can minimise false-positive and false-negative results, which is crucial in reducing incidents of severe GBS infections which can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns.
Microbiologics are here to help your laboratory ensure the accuracy of your GBS assays test after test with their range of IVD controls.
8242 Rapid Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Control Panel
8258 Rapid Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Verification Panel
8232 Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Control Panel (Inactivated Swab)
8194 Assayed GBS LB Control Panel
In summary, preanalytical devices and QC materials are of utmost importance in the clinical diagnosis of GBS. They ensure accurate identification, improve patient safety, aid in infection prevention, monitor and promote standardisation. Through the use of eSwab™ and Microbiologics controls, healthcare professionals can provide optimal care to individuals at risk of GBS infection and minimize the associated morbidity and mortality.
If you’re interested in improving your GBS screening programme or would like additional information on the products above please get in touch with one of our product specialists below.
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