title: Current status of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
abstract: The integration of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) into many clinical microbiology laboratories has revolutionised routine pathogen identification. MALDI-TOF MS complements and has good potential to replace existing phenotypic identification methods. Results are available in a more clinically relevant timeframe, particularly in bacteraemic septic shock. Novel applications include strain typing and the detection of antimicrobial resistance, but these are not widely used. This review discusses the technical aspects, current applications, and limitations of MALDI-TOF MS.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. jen.kok@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Jen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.forename: Sharon C A
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Dominic E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Dwyer
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Iredell
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D008829:Microbiology; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends