TESTING			GBS & OB HEALTH SITES			GBS ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE

GBS Resources for Expectant Parents

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, GBS can be found in up to 40% of pregnant women. A woman with GBS can pass it on to her fetus when she is pregnant or to her baby during delivery or after birth. Despite a 70% decline in incidence during the past decade, early-onset GBS remains a leading cause of infectious disease among newborn. In 2002, the CDC updated their GBS prevention guidelines to recommend universal prenatal screening for vaginal and rectal group B strep colonization of all pregnant women at 35-37 weeks’ gestation. If you are pregnant, the following links are to information that may assist you in reducing the chances of your baby being infected.

Testing for GBS and Other Infective Agents When Pregnant

	IDI-Strep B™ The IDI-Strep B test is the first and currently the only diagnostic test for GBS cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada that can replace culture methods. Exceeding the performance criteria of the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the IDI-Strep B test can be used at any time to determine GBS status during pregnancy.
	pHEM-ALERT® Vaginal pH Testing Package inserts and informational brochure (pdf files) for an an easy, convenient, single-use device for vaginal pH testing. This test may help you decide if your vaginal symptoms are likely caused by an infection that may require follow-up by your healthcare provider.

GBS and Obstetrical Health-related Web Sites

	OBGYN.net, The Universe of Women's Health Welcome to the global, physician-reviewed network for doctors, women and the medical industry.
	GBS Frequently Answered Questions at iVillage.com
	Group B Strep Association, USA A nationally acclaimed association for their awareness, prevention, and overall movement in the find for support and a cure of GBS.
	Centers for Disease Control (CDC) The Center for Disease Control is the number one source for information on all bacteria, diseases, viruses, etc.
	Healthfinder Your guide to reliable health information and the United States National Health Observance Calendar.
	National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) is a health information referral service. NHIC puts health professionals and consumers who have health questions in touch with those organizations that are best able to provide answers.
	American Academy of Pediatrics As the banner on this site reads:"Committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults."
	Washington State Department of Health The State of Washington is very active in GBS prevention!

GBS Organizations Worldwide

	Group B Strep International Our mission is to promote international awareness and prevention of Group B Strep disease in babies before birth through early infancy. Our goal is to be a central resource for GBS information in a variety of languages for both the general public and medical professionals. The scope of our mission includes actively supporting the GBS awareness and prevention efforts of individuals and organizations on a community or national level.
	No EGB GBS group based in Argentina.
	Group B Strep Support A great GBS charity site based in the UK.
	La Fondation Canadienne du Strep B ~ The Canadian Strep B Foundation A Canadian group for families who have experienced GBS.
	Stichting Ouders Groep B Streptokokken Patienten This is a Group B Strep organization in the Netherlands.