Use of MALDI-TOF for diagnosis of microbial infections

Although mass spectrometry is making its mark on all facets of clinical laboratory medicine, arguably no field is witnessing its impact more than clinical microbiology. The application of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to microbial identification is revolutionizing clinical microbiology by providing rapid identification with minimal sample preparation at a potential savings in costs. Across the globe, the degree of implementation of MALDI-TOF MS varies markedly. In Canada, Australia, and much of Europe, MALDI platforms are in routine use in clinical microbiology, whereas the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to provide clinical clearance. In this Q&A, 4 experts from across the globe with first-hand experience implementing MALDI-TOF MS in the microbiology laboratory provide insight into what this technology can and cannot provide, what it takes to bring it in house, and what direction it takes us in the future.