Group B Streptococcus

The Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test is an at‑home screening designed to detect Streptococcus agalactiae colonization in the lower genital tract of expectant mothers. A combined vaginal and rectal swab is collected by a trained healthcare professional and processed by a certified laboratory—using culture and/or molecular methods—to report presence or absence of GBS. Detecting maternal GBS carriage is important because colonization is a key risk factor for early‑onset neonatal GBS disease, which can cause sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns.

This test is routinely recommended in pregnancy (typically at 35–37 weeks) and for women with risk factors such as prior infant with GBS disease, GBS urinary tract infection during pregnancy, or preterm labour. Reliable at‑home collection combined with fast, accredited laboratory reporting across Dubai and the UAE enables timely obstetric planning and, when indicated, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce neonatal infection risk.

• Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) — Presence/Absence
• GBS Colonization Site — Vaginal and Rectal
• GBS DNA (PCR) Detection
• Culture and Antimicrobial Susceptibility (when requested)

• Routine antenatal screening at 35–37 weeks gestation
• History of a previous baby with neonatal GBS disease
• GBS bacteriuria or urinary tract infection during current pregnancy
• Preterm labour, premature rupture of membranes, or intrapartum fever
• When delivery planning requires knowledge of maternal GBS status

• Early identification of maternal GBS colonization
• Enables targeted intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to protect the newborn
• Convenient at‑home sample collection by trained healthcare staff
• Fast, certified laboratory analysis with timely reporting across Dubai and the UAE
• Reduces risk of early‑onset GBS disease in newborns

• Vaginal and rectal swab collection (performed at home by a trained collector)
• Ideally sampled between 35–37 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier if clinically indicated
• Avoid douching, vaginal creams, or intercourse 24–48 hours before sampling
• No fasting required; ensure availability at the scheduled home‑visit and present valid Emirates ID for registration