-- Original message --
The first two links below contain easy to follow algorithms used by the RWH Melbourne for both screening antenates and treatment of Group B strep in neonates and form part of their online Clinical Practice Guidelines available to all.
The third link is a statement by the RANZCOG on GBS screening including their recommended swab collection technique.It is a simple diagram for use by the women and recommends collection of a low vaginal and anal swab which apparently increases the positive result by 25%. I believe this technique is used for swab collection at Belmont Birth Centre NSW (correct me if I am wrong) which isone of the few midwifery led birth centres in Australia and has only been opened since July last year. (I would trust they have done their homework on this one).
http://www.rwh.org.au/rwhcpg/maternity.cfm?doc_id=3024
http://www.rwh.org.au/rwhcpg/neonatal.cfm?doc_id=3798
http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/publications/statements/C-obs19.pdf
I tried to include the diagrams in this email but they don't seem to have come through.
Anyway, that's just some more info to add to the debate.
Helen Cahill
