<P> Today, in the UK, the detection of GBS colonization using the enrichment broth technique is not offered from most laboratories serving the NHS . However, the implementation of this test seems to be a viable option . At present, culture for GBS (using enriched culture medium) at 35--37 weeks to define an at - risk group of women appears to be the most cost - effective strategy . </P> <P> The charitable organization Group B Strep Support have published a list of hospitals in the UK that offer the detection of GBS using the enrichment broth culture method (enrichment culture medium, ECM). This test is also available privately from around £ 35 per test for a home - testing pack, and it is offered by private clinics . The test is also available privately, for a UK - wide postal service . </P> <P> Inoculating directly the vaginal and rectal swabs or the vaginorectal swab in a plate of an appropriate culture medium (blood agar, granada medium or chromogenic media) is also possible . However, this method (bypassing the selective enrichment broth step) can lead to some false - negative results, and this approach should be taken only in addition to, and not instead of, inoculation into selective broth . </P> <P> No current culture - based test is both accurate enough and fast enough to be recommended for detecting GBS once labour starts . Plating of swab samples requires time for the bacteria to grow, meaning that this is unsuitable as an intrapartum point - of - care test . </P>

When did they start testing for group b strep in pregnancy