New era of individual laboratory diagnosis in infectious diseases is coming: the further exploration and clinical application of mass spectrometry

Abstract

Accurate diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are vital, in which rapid, efficient, precise and comprehensive laboratorial detection plays a crucial role. The emergence of mass spectrometry technique revolutionized the test for biomacromolecule in clinical laboratory. The contribution of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases was particularly significant. With the knowledge about the principles of MALDI-TOF MS and microbiology, it is not only able to allow you to have an insight into the details, but also help you to further develop and expand the application. Holographic mass spectrometry consists of, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) becomes a pipe dream. The combination of the three mass spectrometer technologies complement each others advantages, so that the application can be extended. They can not only accurately confirm the pathogens, but also detect the immune response products, metabolite and molecular markers of infectious diseases in order to obtain more comprehensive information of both pathogens and hosts, so that the laboratorial diagnosis can be more comprehensive, precise and individual. The application of holographic mass spectrometry breaks through the classic method and nucleic acid detection technology. It can not only embody speediness and accuracy, but also reflect the promotion of science level and research capability. (Chin J Lab Med, 2017, 40: 756-760) Key words: Communicable diseases; Mass spectrometry; Clinical laboratory techniques; Individualized medicine