Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2014; 16(1):4-9
Objective. To assess the use of MALDI-TOF MS and the experimental «Septi-Panel» assay (quantitative PCR method) in the screening of pathogens in blood culture.
Materials and Methods. A total of 50 positive blood cultures (BactAlert) obtained from adult patients and newborns with suspected sepsis were included in the study. Pathogen detection were performed by direct mass-spectrometry, quantitative PCR using «Septi-Panel» assay, and culture.
Results. Of 50 positive blood cultures tested, 76% and 92% of microorganisms were identified to species by direct mass-spectrometry and quantitative PCR, respectively.