We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Mass Spectrometry Detects Bacteria Without Time-Consuming Isolation and Multiplication

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 May 2025

Speed and accuracy are essential when diagnosing diseases. More...

Traditionally, diagnosing bacterial infections involves the labor-intensive process of isolating pathogens and cultivating bacterial cultures, often resulting in several days of waiting before targeted treatment can begin. Researchers have now developed a groundbreaking method that can identify bacteria with unprecedented speed, reducing the waiting time from several days to just a few minutes.

The innovative approach, developed by researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM, Munich, Germany) and Imperial College London (London, UK) uses mass spectrometry to detect specific metabolic products of bacteria directly from tissue and stool samples. Central to this process is a database that currently includes 232 medically relevant bacterial species and their associated metabolic products. From this database, biomarkers are extracted to allow for the direct identification of specific bacteria.

The new method is capable of identifying bacteria responsible for a variety of serious conditions, including stomach cancer, pneumonia, meningitis, preterm birth, gonorrhea, and sepsis. To ensure that this method becomes a regular tool in clinical settings, the biomarker database needs to be expanded. The researchers note that over 1,400 bacterial pathogens are known, and their specific metabolic products need to be identified and added to the database. The team also sees significant potential for this method in personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored precisely to individual patients based on the specific bacteria detected.

"Our innovative approach is not to look directly for the pathogenic bacteria, but only for their metabolic products. This allows us to detect them indirectly, but much more quickly," said first author Wei Chen.

"This is one of the most important future topics in biotechnology and medicine. Targeted interventions can dramatically improve the chances of successful treatment. As analysts, we develop modern tools and methods for doctors to do this," added Prof. Nicole Strittmatter.

Related Links:
TUM 
Imperial College London 


Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
New
Glucose Tolerance Test
NERL Trutol
New
Compound Management Solution
comPOUND
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The new study findings emphasize the need for incorporating disease heterogeneity into type 2 diabetes care strategies (Photo courtesy of Cell 2025; doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.00)

Molecular Fingerprint for Insulin Sensitivity Could Diagnose Diabetes Before Disease Develops

Insulin is a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels, and its dysfunction is a key factor in the development of diabetes. Insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells do not respond... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Custom hardware and software for the real-time detection of immune cell biophysical signatures in NICU (Photo courtesy of Pediatric Research, DOI:10.1038/s41390-025-03952-y)

First-Of-Its-Kind Device Profiles Newborns' Immune Function Using Single Blood Drop

Premature infants are highly susceptible to severe and life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Newborn sepsis, which is a bloodstream infection occurring in the... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Results of AI-based 3D virtual H&E staining and quantitative analysis of pathological tissue (Photo courtesy of Nature Communications, DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-59820-0)

Virtual Staining Technology Paves Way for Non-Invasive Pathological Diagnosis

For more than 200 years, traditional pathology has depended on the technique of examining cancer tissues under a microscope, a method that provides only limited, specific cross-sections of the 3D structure... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Concept of biosensor integrated into hygiene pads enabling direct semi-quantitative analysis of biomarkers in unprocessed menstruation blood (Photo courtesy of Dosnon, L et al. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202505170)

First Ever Technology Recognizes Disease Biomarkers Directly in Menstrual Blood in Sanitary Towels

Over 1.8 billion people menstruate worldwide, yet menstrual blood has been largely overlooked in medical practice. This blood contains hundreds of proteins, many of which correlate with their concentration... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.