how would you get a GBS test or PKU?

[caedmyn]

We are not UC'ing, but will not be able to get any lab work done. Figured this would be a good place for this question. I definitely want to have the PKU test done, and will probably test for GBS as well. Any suggestions on how to go about getting these done? I suppose I could just go to a pediatrician for the PKU, but I'd prefer not to unless there's no other option.

[Illiana]

I'd ask your MW. I'll take baby to our family doc a day or so after birth so that i can get a birth certificate and I'll have him do the PKU then.. (or go to wherever he needs us to go to do it.) or maybe just take him to my OB to do it if the Family Doc can't for some reason.

Isn't the GBS done before birth? DD never had it done so I"m not sure on that my MW just tested me a few weeks before birth.

[cathicog]

The local health dept should be able to do a PKU(now known as Newborn Screening, since it's actually more than 30 tests they run on it(and I wonder what ELSE they do with it- DNA sample, perhaps?) and the GBS is usually done about 28 and 36 weeks or so, but i would do more research on the GBS test before deciding to do it, it could throw a monkey wrench in your hb plans. You can do a Hibiclens wash in the last weeks before birth and during labor, to kill any GBS bacteria, and then watch the baby after birth for any signs of infection.(which is what a lot of midwives would probably recommend). A woman can be tested one week and be negative, be tested again and be positive, and be tested later on and be negative again...but it sets you up for a hospital birth oftentimes, if you test positive before labor....and waterbirth often dilutes the bacteria so much, it isn't usually an issue...

[bobandjess99]

It sounds like you have decided to go with your friend who is a "not quite yet licensed" midwife, and therefore will have no access to routine testing, yes?

For the PKU, the pedi or health dept is going to be able to do it.

For the GBS..thats trickier...honestly, unless you actually go to and SEE another provider for what would basically be "shadow care", I don't see how you would get it ordered.

[rnchrista]

You can get the GBS test at www.prepaidlab.com
Order the culture, then do the swab yourself. Find out what participating lab is close to you and drop it off.

[CEG]

Just curious, if you can't get the GBS test ordered then how will you treat it if you manage to get the test and it is positive? So what would be the value in having the results? Just wondering the rationale...

[caedmyn]

Originally Posted by CEG

Just curious, if you can't get the GBS test ordered then how will you treat it if you manage to get the test and it is positive? So what would be the value in having the results? Just wondering the rationale...

I'd like to know in case of a hospital transfer, and if I tested positive and did have risk factors for a positive baby, I'd like to know that too. I'd treat the same way I would with a midwife, probably a hibiclens wash.

[marcitrix]

Originally Posted by CEG

Just curious, if you can't get the GBS test ordered then how will you treat it if you manage to get the test and it is positive? So what would be the value in having the results? Just wondering the rationale...

There are far more ways to treat GBS than antibiotics...

[CEG]

Originally Posted by caedmyn

I'd like to know in case of a hospital transfer, and if I tested positive and did have risk factors for a positive baby, I'd like to know that too. I'd treat the same way I would with a midwife, probably a hibiclens wash.

I can see the logic in that. It would help give you credibility in terms of hospital transfer- although if any mom positive or negative with infection signs and any baby positive or negative with infections signs will be treated as suspicious for GBS (unfortunately I know this from working in hospital).

I guess I was just thinking along the lines of your stress level and the fact that most/many homebirthers choose not to test for GBS or to treat if it's positive. It's not catastrophic to show up without test results by any stretch, nor would it likely affect your care. It may make everyone be a little nicer to you though

Long story short- I was just thinking if you are stressed about it and can't sort it out it won't be the end of the world. Good luck getting it settled though!

[caedmyn]

Originally Posted by CEG

I can see the logic in that. It would help give you credibility in terms of hospital transfer- although if any mom positive or negative with infection signs and any baby positive or negative with infections signs will be treated as suspicious for GBS (unfortunately I know this from working in hospital).

I guess I was just thinking along the lines of your stress level and the fact that most/many homebirthers choose not to test for GBS or to treat if it's positive. It's not catastrophic to show up without test results by any stretch, nor would it likely affect your care. It may make everyone be a little nicer to you though

Long story short- I was just thinking if you are stressed about it and can't sort it out it won't be the end of the world. Good luck getting it settled though!

Well our plans fell through anyway so hopefully we'll have a licensed midwife soon who can order the tests, otherwise I guess I'll go stick my head in the sand and hope for the best with a UC which is not my first choice.

TBH if I didn't have it done and transferred I'd just say I was negative, because I tested negative the last time I tested (previous pregnancy). But I do feel more comfortable knowing my status just in case there are risk factors. I'd rather have that extra alertness in the back of my mind if that were to happen. Just my personal comfort level ATM.