PHE issues guidance on mass spectrometry procedure

As part of Standards for Microbiology Investigations (SMIs), Public Health England has issued SMI TP 40: SMI TP 40: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation - time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) test procedure.

The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry is a soft ionisation technique allowing for biomolecules and large organic molecules to be analysed. Triggered by a laser beam, this technique can be used to analyse the protein composition of microbial cells, and may also be useful in identifying bacteria which are difficult to culture, anaerobes and yeasts.

The UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations (SMIs) are created by Public Health England working in partnership with the NHS, Royal College of Pathologists and other professional organisations. They are intended as a resource for professionals practicing in laboratory medicine and infection specialities in the UK.

Comments received as part of the consultation process for the development of the UK SMI can be found in the review of users comments document. Anyone who does not want their comment(s) to be in the RUC document should notify the Standards Unit.

For further information please email the Standards Unit at:standards@phe.gov.uk, or contact them at:

Standards Unit

Microbiology Services

Public Health England

61 Colindale Avenue

London NW9 5EQ