Fourth quarter 2025. The Lab Medicine Update is a collaboration between the UVA Medical Laboratories and the UVA Medical Laboratory Committee. Feedback on the LMU? Contact Jim Harrison (james.harrison@virginia.edu).
Transition to PCR for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Screening ↑
Beginning November 19, 2025, antepartum Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening performed in the clinical microbiology laboratory will transition from culture to PCR. This method change will increase sensitivity and reduce turnaround time to 2 days while continuing to follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations, to include testing from enriched specimens.
- Acceptable specimen: No change. Vaginal/rectal swab submitted in a bacterial culture swab transport system or an eSwab transport system.
- If the patient is noted to be penicillin allergic at the time of order, susceptibility testing will be performed automatically.
- If susceptibility testing is needed after the result is released, specimens will be held for 7 days. To request add-on susceptibility testing, place an order for Identification and Susceptibility (LAB901) and contact Medical Laboratories Customer Service at 434-924-5227.
Contact the Microbiology Director on call at PIC 1221 with any questions.