Group B Streptococcus DNA, Genital, Qualitative, Nucleic Acid Probe
This test uses a nucleic acid probe to detect DNA from group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) in a genital specimen. It is used to identify whether this bacterium is present in the genital area.
["A positive result means group B Streptococcus DNA was detected in the genital sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 91847-4
- Short code
- Gp B Strep DNA Genital Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- Gp B Strep DNA Genital Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Group B Streptococcus?
Group B Streptococcus, or GBS, is a common bacterium that many healthy people carry in the digestive tract, vagina, or rectum without any symptoms. In certain situations, especially around childbirth, carriage of GBS can matter because it can be passed to a newborn.
How the Test Works
A genital sample is collected and tested with a nucleic acid probe, a method that looks for a specific piece of GBS DNA. Because the probe targets genetic material, it can identify the bacterium when it is present in the sample.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates that GBS DNA was detected in the genital specimen. A negative result indicates that GBS DNA was not detected. Results should always be interpreted together with your symptoms, history, and other findings by your healthcare provider.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
A positive or negative result does not by itself diagnose an infection or determine treatment. Detection of DNA shows the bacterium is present but does not distinguish harmless carriage from active infection, and test performance can vary by collection and laboratory method.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detection of group B Streptococcus in the genital tract is clinically important, particularly during pregnancy, because maternal carriage is a risk factor for transmission to the newborn around delivery. A positive result supports the presence of GBS, but clinical decisions about monitoring or preventive treatment depend on the full clinical picture and should be made by a healthcare provider.
Short name
GBS DNA Probe
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have an infection?
Why might this test be done during pregnancy?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy