MALDI-TOF MS bacterial identification

TEST DESCRIPTION

Identification of bacteria using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). MALDI-TOF MS technology analyzes the proteins, mainly ribosomal proteins, of a microorganism. The instrument converts the microorganism’s proteins into a protein profile or fingerprint. This protein profile is compared to profiles of microorganisms in a reference database, and the identity of a bacteria is confirmed when a close match is found to a reference profile.

Methodology

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within 1 business day.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

A bacterial isolate submitted on solid media (preferably slant culture)
Patient specimens submitted for bacterial culture will be eligible and reflexed for testing once a bacterium has been isolated from the specimen

SPECIMEN STORAGE & TRANSPORT

For bacterial isolates submitted on solid media, store and transport at room to refrigerated temperature (2–30°C/36–86°F). Conditions may be organism-dependent.

REJECTION CRITERIA

Bacterial isolates that are non-viable
Bacterial isolates that arrive in culture containers that are damaged during transit or are not properly labeled with patient identifiers

CODES

CPT: 87077

LOINC: 75756-7

Test code: 2460

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.