Publish date: 26 May 2023
A trial is taking place at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals that could help reduce the risk of babies catching a potentially dangerous bacteria.
Under the trial for rapid testing of Group B Streptococcus (also known as GBS, Strep B or group B Strep), important research will be carried out to see if testing pregnant women can help reduce the risk of infection in newborn babies compared to the current strategy in the UK.
The current strategy in the UK is to offer antibiotics during labour to women who are considered at risk of their baby developing GBS infection. If you carry GBS, your baby will be exposed to it around labour and birth. While most babies won’t be affected, there is a very small chance of your baby becoming seriously ill or even dying. In extremely rare cases GBS infection can also cause miscarriage, early labour or stillbirth.
There are two different tests, which we are comparing against the current strategy:
- A test at an antenatal appointment approximately 3-5 weeks before expected pregnancy due date (Enriched Culture Medium Testing)
- Bedside test at start of labour (Intrapartum Rapid Testing)
This means all women who are pregnant and give birth at this hospital will be tested for GBS and treated in the same manner (unless advised otherwise by your doctor or midwife).
Our hospital has been allocated to the bedside test at start of labour. Find out more about the trial.
