What's Included
- Home collection swab kit
- Laboratory analysis for Group B Streptococcus
- Kit available for clinic pickup only
Group B Strep Test—Protect Your Baby During Birth
Simple swab test to detect Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria in late pregnancy. In rare situations, it can lead to serious infections in your baby but knowing your status before labor means you can receive antibiotics if needed to protect your newborn.
Purchase in clinic
Simple swab home test kit
Results in 3-5 days
Group B Strep Test
Testing for Group B Streptococcus bacteria in late pregnancy to prevent newborn infection. GBS is carried by 20-40% of pregnant women and is harmless to you, but can very rarely cause serious infection in newborns if passed during birth, syuch as sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. The NHS doesn’t routinely test (hospital dependent – please ask your hospital), but knowing your status allows you to receive antibiotics during labor if needed. Test between 35-37 weeks for most accurate results. Simple vaginal and rectal swab you collect yourself in private. Results in 3-5 days with clear guidance for your birth team.
From
0 weeksDuration
0 minutes
Price
£55
Results
3-5 Days
Protect your baby during birth
Know your GBS status so you can receive antibiotics if needed
Protect Your Newborn
Knowing your GBS status allows treatment during labor to prevent baby infectionFast Results
Know your status before labor with results in 3-5 daysSimple Swab Collection
Quick, easy vaginal and rectal swab you can do yourself in privateRecommended Testing Time
Test between 35-37 weeks for most accurate resultsInform Your Birth Team
Take results to hospital so they can provide antibiotics if you're positiveNHS Doesn't Routinely Test
Private testing gives you the information NHS doesn't provide. A quick and affordable test to avoid risk of severe illness.
Complete Service Overview
Your Group B Strep Test—Explained
A simple swab test between 35-37 weeks that can significantly reduce the risk of serious infection in your newborn. GBS is not routinely offered on the NHS, but testing within 5 weeks of delivery allows time for preventative antibiotics during labour.
Who is this for?
- Pregnant women at 35-37 weeks gestation
- Those wanting to know their GBS status before labour
- Women with a history of GBS in a previous pregnancy
- Those planning a home birth or birth centre delivery
- Anyone seeking peace of mind about newborn infection risk
- Pregnant women at 35-37 weeks gestation
Technical Details
- Tests for Group B Streptococcus bacteria
- Optimal testing window: 35-37 weeks gestation
- GBS can cause sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis in newborns
- Risk increases with premature birth, maternal fever, or prolonged rupture of membranes
- Positive result allows antibiotics to be given during labour
- Tests for Group B Streptococcus bacteria
What to expect
Your appointment, step by step
Before Your Test
- Purchase your test kit in the clinic during your third trimester
- Test at around 35-37 weeks of pregnancy
- No special preparation needed
- Follow the instructions in the test kit
During your test
- Take the test in the comfort of your home
After your test
- The test kit comes with a pre paid royal mail envelope – just post it at the closest post office
- Results within 3-5 days via email directly from the laboratory
- If positive, discuss with your midwife or birth team
Why choose Flowan Health
The NHS doesn't routinely test for GBS, leaving many women without vital information. If you carry GBS, most of the time your baby will be born
safely and will not develop an infection. However, it can rarely cause serious infection such as sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis. Our testing gives you the knowledge to protect your baby from avoidable severe infection during birth.
What you get | What this means for you | |
|---|---|---|
| Access testing the NHS doesn't provide | Get the information to make informed decisions about your birth | |
| Results in 3-5 days | Know your status before labor | |
| Tested between 35-37 weeks | Accurate results close to your due date | |
| Clear result letter | Take to hospital to inform your care | |
| 5.0/5.0 from 507+ reviews | Trusted testing and support | |
Online booking at 2am or 2pm - we're ready when you are
Take the first step towards comprehensive and compassionate healthcare tailored for women.
Common questions about Group B Strep testing
Protecting your baby in late pregnancy? Here's what you need to know.
What is Group B Strep?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacteria carried by 20-40% of women in their vagina or rectum. It’s harmless to you but can rarely cause serious infection in newborns if passed during birth. Antibiotics during labor can prevent this.
Can I still have a water birth if I'm GBS positive?
This depends on your hospital’s policy. Some hospitals offer IV antibiotics and allow water birth, others have restrictions. Knowing your GBS status ahead of time lets you discuss options with your midwife or consultant before labor starts.
Is the test uncomfortable?
Not at all. You’ll collect the swab yourself in a private room. It’s a quick vaginal swab followed by a rectal swab (just inside, not deep). Takes less than a minute and you have complete privacy and control.
What happens if I test positive?
If positive, discuss with your maternity care provider who should offer you antibiotics during labor (usually when your waters break or when labor is established). This reduces the risk of baby developing GBS infection from around 1 in 300 to about 1 in 3,000. You can still have the birth you want.
When should I have the test?
Between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy is ideal. Testing too early means your status might change before labor. Testing in this window gives you accurate information close to your due date.
Why doesn't the NHS routinely test for GBS?
The NHS doesn’t routinely screen because GBS carriage comes and goes—you could test negative one week and positive the next. They treat women with risk factors instead. Private testing gives you information to make an informed decision about your birth.
Happy stories from Parents
Real experiences from those who trust our care.
The staff are great and the service is impeccable. Lauren the sonographer is empathetic, personable and so kind which made our 8 week scan a wonderful experience
I’ve visited Flowan a few times over the last few years for various reasons and every time the service and care is outstanding. There are clinics much closer to me I could opt for but travel out of my way to Flowan simply for the service.
Felt safe and comfortable at this clinic! Very good service, would recommend!!
We came for an early pregnancy scan. Such lovely, professional staff at the clinic. Explained everything super clearly and were so friendly! Would really recommend.
The team are so friendly and helpful, really excellent service. We asked not to see the gender of the baby but for it to be part of the surprise package and we couldn’t be happier!! Such a lovely experience seeing our baby
