MALDI-TOF MS for Positive Blood Cultures: Methods, Performance, and Clinical Impact
This review examines the application of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for identification and susceptibility testing directly from positive blood cultures. The technology has revolutionized clinical microbiology by enabling rapid organism identification from blood culture bottles, with the potential to significantly accelerate time to targeted antibiotic therapy for septic patients.
The original study
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Use with Positive Blood Cultures: Methodology, Performance, and Optimization.
- Authors
- Faron ML, Buchan BW, Ledeboer NA
- Journal
- Journal of clinical microbiology
- Type
- Journal Article, Review
- PMID
- 28855303
Original abstract
Early initiation of effective antibiotics for septic patients is essential for patient survival. Matrix-assisted desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has revolutionized clinical microbiology for isolate identification and has the possibility to impact how blood culture testing is performed. This review discusses the various uses of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification and susceptibility testing of positive blood cultures, the performance of these methods, and the outcomes involved with its implementation.