Group B Streptococcus also known as Group B Strep or GBS is a bacteria that lives inside the body found in the vagina, gut and bowel in around 2 out of 10 women. Group B Strep (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in new-born babies, it is not clear why some babies develop an infection while others do not. What is clear is most Group B Strep (GBS) infections in new-born babies can be prevented in the U.K.
The Gold Standard Enriched Culture Medium test ECM is specifically designed for the isolation of Group B Strep in swabs and needs to be cultured between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy to best predict colonisation. Group B Strep (GBS) testing is not routinely available through the NHS and is only currently available in the private sector.