MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in clinical diagnostic microbiology

Abstract

Microbial identification in clinical diagnostic laboratories mainly relies on conventional phenotypic and gene sequencing identification techniques. Recently development of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) devices has revolutionized the routine identification of microorganisms in clinical microbiology laboratories. This is an easy, rapid, high throughput, low-cost, and efficient identification technique and has been adapted to the constraint of clinical diagnostic laboratories. This technology has the potential to replace and/or complement conventional identification techniques for both bacterial and fungal strains. JMS 2017; 20(1):54