Protocols for the prevention of group B streptococcal disease are being widely used with proven efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess compliance with a culture-based approach recommending universal culture screening at 35-37 weeks' gestation, established in our hospital. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken from January 2003 to January 2004. Compliance with the culture-based approach was considered to be good (92.1%) and only partially amenable to improvements. Effectively, there are inherent limitations to the protocol that can be resolved with the use of other strategies, such as tests for quick identification of genital carrier status.