Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium in the vagina or rectum, affecting up to 25% of UK women. While harmless for most adults, GBS can sometimes be passed to the baby during labour, occasionally leading to serious infections in newborns. Therefore, knowing your GBS status during pregnancy is key to a safe pregnancy journey.
Even without symptoms, carrying GBS during pregnancy can have implications. For more, see the NHS advice on Group B Strep in pregnancy.
Mayfield Clinic offers a convenient home test kit designed for UK women. Using two self-collection blue gel Amies swabs, you collect both vaginal and rectal samples from the comfort of home—no appointments necessary. Post your samples to our accredited UK laboratory, and get fast, confidential results in 3-5 days.
If you have further questions about your risk, consult with your healthcare provider or see trusted resources like the NHS Group B Strep page.
Peace of mind is only a test away – buy your Mayfield Clinic home testing kit today and empower your prenatal care. Or, book an in-person test at one of our UK clinic locations.
If you test positive for GBS, consult your GP or midwife—especially if you are pregnant—so that an appropriate plan can be put in place. Usually, oral antibiotics aren't given to carriers unless there's an infection, but antibiotics in labour are recommended if you're GBS positive and pregnant.
No, regular cleaning and personal hygiene practices cannot remove GBS. It's a naturally occurring bacterium that may come and go.
Testing is especially recommended if you are pregnant, have had a previous baby with GBS, develop symptoms, or simply want peace of mind.
Self-collect vaginal and rectal swabs at home to test for Group B Strep.
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3rd Floor Mayfield House
256 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 7DE
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