Frequently Asked Questions
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacterial infection is associated with rare but serious illness in infants born to women who are colonized with Streptococcus agalactiae. Illness can occur in the first 7 days after birth (early-onset disease) or between a week and a few months after birth (late-onset disease). Infants with GBS infection can present with sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.1
Xpert® Xpress GBS is a next-generation, dual-target test to replace the single-target Xpert GBS test. The new dual targets are in highly conserved regions of the GBS genome, thereby improving the sensitivity of the test.
The Xpert® Xpress GBS test, performed on the GeneXpert® Instrument Systems, is an automated, real-time PCR test for the qualitative detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) DNA from vaginal/rectal swab specimens collected from pregnant patients for intrapartum testing at term (e.g., >37 weeks) who have unknown or unavailable antepartum GBS screening test results and no additional risk factors that would warrant empiric antibiotic prophylaxis. The Xpert Xpress GBS test performed during intrapartum is intended to aid in the detection of GBS colonization in patients presenting in labor who may be candidates for antibiotic prophylaxis.
The Xpert® Xpress GBS test does not provide antimicrobial susceptibility test results. Culture is necessary to obtain isolates to perform susceptibility testing as recommended for penicillin-allergic women.
References
1 Cepheid. Xpert GBS LB XC Package Insert. Accessed April 3, 2024. https://www.cepheid.com/en-USntent/dam/www-cepheid-com/documents/package-insert-files/Xpert%20GBS%20LB%20XC%20ENGLISH%20Package%20Insert%20302-4580%20Rev%20B.pdf