Evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS in the microbiology laboratory

Abstract

Rapid identification of microorganisms by the clinical microbiology laboratory is of crucial importance for optimal patients’ management and treatment. In general, bacterial identification by conventional methods requires 18-24 hours for colony isolation and at least 24 additional hours for species identification. New technologies in microbiology have focused on the rapid diagnosis of bloodstream infections, since they are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Keywords

• MALDI-TOF MS
• espectrometria de massa
• infecção da corrente sanguínea
• infecções bacterianas
• diagnóstico rápido