VITEK® MS: First MALDI-TOF system with IVD-CE marked ID of mycobacteria, Nocardia & moulds*
By Claire Barresi, Global Product Manager, bioMérieux
The latest VITEK® MS software update includes a database for the identification of mycobacteria, Nocardia and moulds* – making it the first MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry) to include IVD-CE marking for these clinically important species. Inactivation and extraction reagent kits are also now available to make rapid testing safe and easy.
MALDI-TOF MS technology enables clear and accurate identification at the species, group, or genus level in minutes. The VITEK® MS system has long been capable of reliably identifying numerous bacteria and yeasts for aiding in clinical diagnosis, and rapid identification of mycobacteria1, Nocardia and moulds is an important expansion. Timely identification of these organisms helps improve management of diseases such as serious fungal infections, tuberculosis, and osteomyelitis caused by non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM).
These new species are part of a comprehensive update that expands the VITEK® MS database to 1,046 species and 15,172 distinct strains of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. New in the database are:
- 39 mycobacteria taxa comprised of 48 species
- 14 Nocardia species
- 47 mould taxa comprised of 48 species
- 197 other new bacteria and yeasts
A market-leading MALDI-TOF MS system, VITEK® MS has a unique algorithm (Advanced Spectra Classifier) to provide excellent discrimination between species. With over 15,000 strains, the database also accounts for diversity within a species for greater accuracy, without requiring manipulation of result scores to obtain species identification2.
Together, VITEK® MS and VITEK® 2 provide the flexibility to optimize laboratory workflow and ensure rapid results, supporting appropriate antimicrobial treatment and antimicrobial stewardship. VITEK® solutions offer rapid, accurate results – whether for routine diagnoses, unusual/resistant organisms, or critical clinical situations.
*Database is IVD-CE marked. FDA clearance pending. Not currently available in the US.
- Mather, C.A., et. al. Comparison of the Bruker Biotyper and Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Systems for Identification of Mycobacteria Using Simplified Protein Extraction Protocols. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2014, 52(1):130.
- Pence M.A., et. al. Comparison and optimization of two MALDI-TOF MS platforms for the identification of medically relevant yeast species. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2014 ; 33(10):1703.
