Streptococcus Group B Culture
Test Code(s): 5617
CPT Code(s): 87081
Clinical Significance: Group B streptococci can be one of the most significant pathogens in the neonatal period. The organism is transmitted to the newborn through the birth canal. Prepartum vaginal introitus and anorectal cultures are important to determine carriage.
Includes: If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149). Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Methodology: Bacterial culture, aerobic isolation and identification. Procedure includes broth enhanced culture
Alternative Name(s): Culture, Group B Strep
Supply: #S12 ESwabTM Specimen Collection and Transport System - White Cap
Preferred specimen(s): Vaginal-rectal swab submitted in an (ESwab)
Collection Instructions: For prenatal cultures obtain specimens from both the vaginal introitus and anorectum utilizing one or two swabs (2 separate swabs and transport containers; not 2 swabs in 1 transport container). Cervical cultures are not acceptable for prenatal screening; a speculum should not be used. After culture collection place swab(s) into one bacterial transport medium.
Minimum volume: One transport swab
Transport container: Transport swab
Transport temperature: Room temperature
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: unacceptable
- Non vaginal/rectal specimens
- Viral transport medium
- Molecular transport system
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.