What happens during a group B strep test?
If you are pregnant, your health care provider may order a swab test or a urine test.
For a swab test, you will lie on your back on an exam table. Your health care provider will use a
small cotton swab to take a sample of cells and fluids from your vagina and rectum.
For a urine test, you will most likely be told to use the "clean catch method" to ensure your sample is sterile. It includes the following steps.
Wash your hands.
Clean your genital area with a cleansing pad given to you by your provider. To clean, open your labia and wipe from front to back.
Start to urinate into the toilet.
Move the collection container under your urine stream.
Collect at least an ounce or two of urine into the container, which should have markings to indicate the amounts.
Finish urinating into the toilet.
Return the sample container as instructed by your health care provider.
If your baby needs testing, a provider may do a blood test or a spinal tap.
For a blood test, a health care professional will use a small needle to take a blood sample from your baby's heel. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. Your baby may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.
A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a test that collects and looks at spinal fluid, the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. During the procedure:
A nurse or other health care provider will hold your baby in a curled-up position.
A health care provider will clean your baby's back and inject an anesthetic into the skin, so your baby won't feel pain during the procedure. The provider may put a numbing cream on your baby's back before this injection.
The provider may also give your baby a sedative and/or pain reliever to help him or her better tolerate the procedure.
Once the area on the back is completely numb, your provider will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in the lower spine. Vertebrae are the small backbones that make up the spine.
The provider will withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. This will take about five minutes.
