How can group B Strep infection be prevented?
Group B Strep carriage can come and go – a sensitive swab test at 35-37 weeks will give the best idea as to whether a woman will be carrying GBS at delivery. The NHS does not routinely test for GBS, and when it does, the swab test normally used gives falsely negative results to up to half the women carrying GBS. A more reliable test, called an Enriched Culture Medium (ECM) test, is only available in a few NHS hospitals, although it is available privately. Contact the charity, Group B Strep Support for more information.
