title: Utility of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry following introduction for routine laboratory bacterial identification.
abstract: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was evaluated prospectively in a diagnostic laboratory. Nine hundred twenty-seven organisms were tested in triplicate; 2,351/2,781 (85%) species and 2,681/2,781 (96%) genus identifications were correct. Known issues such as the misidentification of alpha-hemolytic streptococci as Streptococcus pneumoniae were easily corrected. Identifications cost AUD$0.45 per isolate and were available in minutes. MALDI-TOF MS is rapid, accurate, and inexpensive.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney South West Pathology Service, Locked Mail Bag 7090, Liverpool BC NSW 1871, Australia. Stephen.Neville@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Neville
authors.forename: Annabelle
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lecordier
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ziochos
authors.forename: Mathew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Chater
authors.forename: Iain B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Gosbell
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Maley
authors.forename: Sebastiaan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: van Hal
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*