Xpert® Xpress GBS

Group B Streptococcus  GBS bacterial infection is associated with serious illness in newborns born to patients who are colonized with the microorganism. GBS infection is the major cause of death in newborns who develop sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.

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.