Utility of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry following introduction for routine laboratory bacterial identification.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was evaluated prospectively in a diagnostic laboratory. Nine hundred twenty-seven organisms were tested in triplicate; 2,351/2,781 (85%) species and 2,681/2,781 (96%) genus identifications were correct. Known issues such as the misidentification of alpha-hemolytic streptococci as Streptococcus pneumoniae were easily corrected. Identifications cost AUD$0.45 per isolate and were available in minutes. MALDI-TOF MS is rapid, accurate, and inexpensive.