Group B Streptococcus identification 

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #:  MZZ0449Z
CPT: 87077, 87147

Synonym(s): Beta strep, GBS, β, Group A, GAS
Requisition Form G-2B.
Test Description Identification of beta (β) hemolytic Streptococcus spp.
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

Pure isolate
Minimum Volume/Size Required

At least one viable colony
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

Room temperature or refrigerated.
Transport Medium

Any medium that supports growth
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49  
  • Ship specimens overnight Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries. 
Method MALDI-TOF (mass spectrometry), Bacterial culture
Turn-around Time 3-21 days.
Interferences/Limitations
  • Can only be used to identify Group A and Group B Streptococcus spp. All other Streptococcus sp. will be identified by another method. 
  • Material must be viable. Improper storage or shipping temperatures limit organism recovery.
  • In the event of an outbreak, the procedure may be modified to screen for an additional set of organisms.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Unacceptable specimen type or source
  • Improper shipping conditions
  • Expired media or collection container
  • Discrepancies between specimen label and submission form
  • Incomplete or missing submission form
Additional Information Additional subtyping such as emm or T-typing is NOT performed in this laboratory.