Streptococcus Group B Antigen - Serum Test Near You

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of a severe infection like fever, chills, and difficulty breathing may be advised to take this test. Pregnant women are also routinely tested for GBS between weeks 35 and 37 of their pregnancy.

No special preparation is necessary before the test. You can continue with your regular diet and activities unless your doctor specifies otherwise.

The test involves drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm, which is then analyzed in a laboratory for the presence of Group B Streptococcus antigens.

A positive result indicates the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria in your blood, suggesting an active GBS infection.

GBS bacteria can potentially be passed from the mother to the baby during delivery, leading to serious infections in the newborn. Early detection allows for preventive measures, reducing the risk of transmission.

Typically, GBS bacteria should not be found in the bloodstream. Therefore, a normal result would be negative for the presence of Group B Streptococcus antigens.

Your doctor will determine how often you should get tested based on your symptoms or health condition. For pregnant women, the test is usually done between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy.

Certain medical conditions, medications, and improper sample collection can potentially affect the test results.

Post-testing precautions are generally not required. However, if you test positive for GBS, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat the infection or prevent transmission to your baby if you are pregnant.

Modifiable factors include personal hygiene practices and preventive health measures. Non-modifiable factors include age, gender, and genetic predisposition.

If your test results are abnormal, you should consult an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

GBS infections are typically treated with antibiotics. For pregnant women testing positive for GBS, antibiotics are administered during labor to prevent transmission to the baby.

Yes, GBS infections in newborns can be largely prevented by testing and treating pregnant women who carry the bacteria.

In adults, GBS infections can lead to serious conditions like blood infections (sepsis), bone and joint infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and pneumonia. In newborns, it can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

As of now, there is no available vaccine against Group B Streptococcus, although research in this area is ongoing.

In adults, recurrent GBS infections are rare but can occur. In newborns, early detection and preventive measures are crucial to avoid potentially serious health consequences.

GBS itself does not typically cause complications in pregnancy. However, if transmitted to the newborn during delivery, it can cause severe infections.

Yes, the test can be conducted on anyone, regardless of pregnancy status, if a severe GBS infection is suspected.

If you test positive for GBS, monitor for symptoms like fever, chills, rapid breathing, and areas of red or tender skin, which could suggest a serious infection.

Understanding the importance of the Streptococcus Group B Antigen test helps ensure your well-being and, for pregnant women, that of your baby. In case of an abnormal result, consulting a doctor immediately is crucial for appropriate management of the condition.