Self-collection and testing
How much does the GBS testing service cost?
The cost is £55.00 for the test (Delivery charge: £0.00).
Payment can be made online using the following payment cards:
- Visa
- Visa Electron
- Maestro
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Diners Club
Our website uses Stripe to handle the payment process.
The test kit can only be delivered within the UK. Once payment has been made you will receive an order acknowledgement by email, and an email confirming your payment by Stripe. A further email will confirm when your kit is being readied for despatch.
The GBS testing service includes a self-collection kit.
What does a self-collection kit contain?
The TDL (UKCA marked) self-collection kit contains the following items:
- Sample collection swab x 2
- Sample return bag containing absorbent pad
- Sample label x 2
- Collection kit outer box
- Return postal envelope
- Return security label
The kit will be sent with security seal on the outside for peace of mind. Please do not use if the seal is broken or if you are missing any of the items listed above. Please contact gbs@tdlpathology.com for assistance.
How do collect my samples?
You will need to take a vaginal swab sample and a rectal swab sample, using the two swabs supplied in the kit. Both swabs in the pack are sterile and it is important that you do not touch the cotton end of the swab with your fingers or let it come into contact with other surfaces, for example clothing, tables or towels when taking your sample. Label swab tubes correctly as instructed.
Your test kit will contain an instruction sheet, with full details on how to take both of the samples required. You can also download the instruction sheet as a PDF using the link below:
Download TDL GBS self-collection kit instructions
Please read the instructions fully before you start to take your sample, and follow the checklist to make sure you include everything required before returning your samples.
How do I return my samples?
The kit contains a return postal envelope with a pre-paid Royal Mail Tracked 24 label already applied. Please make a note of the unique tracking number on this label, for future reference, before returning your sample (see instruction sheet for details).
You can track delivery of your package to the laboratory, using the unique tracking number at this link:
http://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item
Important: Delays in sending swabs back to the laboratory may affect the GBS test result. Please post your sample back as soon as possible (ideally on the same day or within 24 hours of sample collection).
How do I receive my result?
The result of the test will normally be available within 3-5 working days of receipt by The Doctors Laboratory of the swabs.
You will receive the result in hard copy format, and as a text (SMS) message.
If the result is positive, a copy of the result will be sent to your healthcare professional to help with pregnancy planning.
I have had a change of mind, what can I do?
You will be asked to confirm you would like the service to start straight away as part of the ordering process. Once you have paid and the order is acknowledged you will have 14 days to cancel your order and get a full refund.
You would need to contact gbs@tdlpathology.com as soon as possible quoting your order reference (it will be on your order acknowledgment email). We do not require you to return your test kit, you would need to be dispose of it.
You can find out more information in clause 9 of our terms and conditions.
About the information you provide
We will ask you for personal information as part of the online ordering process, this is to enable us to process an order, supply a test kit, process the returned samples in our designated laboratory and provide the results.
In addition we will ask for details of the healthcare professional involved in your pregnancy (midwife, consultant, GP, etc.) so that we can provide them the results of your test using the contact information provided.
You can read more about our privacy notices for Patients and Healthcare Professionals here.