What is MALDI-TOF?
MALDI-TOF stands for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization with Time of Flight mass spectrometry. A microorganism colony is spotted onto a target which is then struck by a laser. The laser liberates proteins from the sample and ionizes them so that they become charged. Then, the charged proteins travel through the mass spectrometer and the mass of each is determined. Each microorganism generates a unique fingerprint of protein masses which is compared to a database to find a match.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price for pure cultures is $55 per sample and $87.50 per sample for Soleris® vials.
What Can I Ship?
You may ship pure cultures on agar plates or in liquid media. Positive Soleris vials can be shipped directly. Note: All samples should be properly sealed to prevent leakage and microorganism contaminations. Overnight and refrigerated shipping are highly recommended to help prevent organism damage from temperature changes during shipping.
Where Do I Ship It To?
All samples should be shipped to the following address,
Attn: MALDI Lab
301 N Hosmer St
Lansing, MI 48912
How Long Do My Results Take?
There is a maximum five-day turnaround from the time a pure culture is isolated until the results are reported.
How Accurate Are the Results?
With a good score of ≥ 2.0, the results are generally accurate to the genus and species level. Some closely related species can only be differentiated to the genus level. For strain level information, more specific molecular assays are required.
Where Can I Ship From?
We’re only accepting samples from the United States for MALDI analysis.
How Do I Receive Results?
Results are emailed as a PDF to the email address provided unless alternate reporting is requested.
How Can I Get Started?
Download the submission form, fill out your information, and send a copy with your samples.
If you have any additional questions about the MALDI service, they can be submitted to maldi@Neogen.com.
