What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're pregnant and approaching your third trimester, since your provider-independent screening can check for Group B strep (GBS) bacteria before delivery. GBS often causes no symptoms in the mother but can be passed to a newborn during birth, so many women test even when they feel completely fine. It's also useful if you've had a previous pregnancy affected by GBS or want to plan ahead for delivery.

What's included in this test?

This is a single, focused culture test that looks specifically for Group B streptococcus bacteria using a vaginal and rectal swab sample. It matters because GBS is one of the most common causes of serious infection in newborns, and identifying it ahead of time allows for simple, effective steps to protect the baby during birth.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with the normal range and what your specific result means clearly explained. If your culture is positive, the report outlines what that means for delivery planning, since GBS is typically addressed with antibiotics during labor rather than beforehand. The standard lab report can be downloaded directly from your account for your records or to bring to your delivery. You can also track this and other results over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support a healthy vaginal microbiome?

Eating a diet rich in probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can help support healthy bacteria levels. Staying well hydrated, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and avoiding scented soaps or douches in the genital area can also reduce irritation and imbalance. These habits won't eliminate GBS if it's present, but they support overall vaginal health leading up to delivery.

When will I get my results?

Results for this culture typically take about 7 days to process, since the sample needs time to grow in a lab setting to detect bacteria accurately. You'll receive a notification as soon as your results are ready in your account. Because timing matters for delivery planning, it's best to schedule this test as recommended for your stage of pregnancy.

Who should consider this test?

This test is generally recommended for pregnant women, typically between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, as part of standard prenatal screening. It's also worth considering if you've had a baby previously affected by GBS or if you had a urinary tract infection caused by GBS during this pregnancy. Anyone planning a vaginal delivery who wants to confirm their GBS status ahead of time can benefit from this screening.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Most women with GBS have no symptoms at all, which is exactly why routine screening late in pregnancy is so important. In some cases, GBS can cause urinary tract infections, so symptoms like burning during urination or frequent urges to go may prompt testing. If you're nearing your third trimester, testing is recommended regardless of symptoms.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means Group B strep bacteria were found in your sample, which is common and affects roughly 1 in 4 pregnant women. It doesn't mean you or your baby will get sick, but it does mean antibiotics during labor are typically recommended to protect the newborn from infection. Sharing this result with your delivery team ahead of time allows them to plan accordingly.

What causes a Group B strep result to be positive?

GBS is a common bacteria that naturally lives in the digestive and lower genital tract of many healthy adults, so a positive result isn't caused by anything you did wrong. It can come and go over time, which is why testing is done close to your due date rather than earlier in pregnancy. Factors like a previous GBS-positive pregnancy may make it more likely to appear again.

How often should I retest?

Since GBS colonization can change throughout pregnancy, this test is typically done once, close to delivery, between 35 and 37 weeks. If your due date is delayed significantly past your original testing window, retesting closer to your actual delivery date is a reasonable step. Outside of pregnancy, retesting isn't generally necessary unless specifically recommended for another reason.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Group B Strep Test - Prenatal Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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