Applications of MALDI TOF-MS in Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization of Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an emerging technology for Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. In most of the Microbiology Laboratories, The identification of microorganisms is done by phenotypic method conventionally or by molecular methods in most of the Microbiology Laboratories even today. The phenotypic methods are based on isolation of the microorganism in culture followed by biochemical tests for bacteria which are time consuming. The molecular methods require expertise and new variants may not be detected. Moreover, rapid and accurate identification of bacteria is necessary for diagnosis and efficient treatment of the patient which may be life saving. MALDI-TOF MS is an easy, rapid and efficient method for identification of bacteria which are even difficult to grow, typing of bacteria, fungi and viruses. In this review, the principle, mechanism, uses, limitations and future perspectives of MALDI-TOF MS have been discussed.