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And as we celebrate National Medical Lab Professionals Week, let’s look at the rich history of one of the profession’s most vital organizations: The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), formerly known as American Society for Medical Technology (ASMT). This organization has provided advocacy, standards setting, education, and professional development for clinical laboratory science practitioners for decades and has impacted the laboratory industry significantly. 

Group B Strep (GBS) is a naturally occurring bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract or vagina of about 1 in 4 pregnant women. This is a concern during pregnancy, as an infection can be passed to the child during birth. There are serious risks to newborns if GBS is left undetected. Approximately 50% of women who are colonized with GBS will transmit the bacteria to their newborns. 

We’ve compiled a list of myths about group B Strep and researched the correct answers to keep you informed!

Reliable and consistent GBS testing enables caregivers to identify when to treat with antibiotics and when not to use them, simultaneously preventing antibiotic resistance and saving infant lives. 

One of the most important things for you, and the pregnant woman in your care, is the safe delivery of her healthy baby. In the US, Group B Strep is the leading cause of meningitis and bloodstream infections for infants. Proper pre- and perinatal care significantly reduces the chances of infection and/or death caused by GBS. Here are some quick “dos and don’ts” to remember when caring for pregnant patients.