Skip to main content
DNA Labs India

MALDI-TOF: MS Bacteria Identification Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

MALDI-TOF: MS Bacteria Identification Test

Short Name: MALDI-TOF Bacteria ID Test

Also known as: MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Test, Bacteria Identification by Mass Spectrometry

MALDI-TOF: MS Bacteria Identification Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,229. Uses MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry on Pure growth of bacteria on a solid agar plate samples. Results in Same day. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Identification🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

To identify bacterial species causing infections for accurate diagnosis, guiding targeted antibiotic therapy and reducing treatment delays.

Test Code
1207
Price
₹1,229
Sample Type
Pure growth of bacteria on a solid agar plate
Result Time
Same day
Fasting Required
No
Method
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation required. Ensure bacterial culture is pure and on solid agar plate.

Method: Culture and submission

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Submit the agar plate with bacterial growth. Handle with care to avoid contamination.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Ship the sample refrigerated immediately. Do not freeze.

Timeline: Same day

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Consult your physician to order the test. Ensure a pure bacterial culture is available on solid agar plate.
2
During the Test:The test is performed in the lab using MALDI-TOF MS. No patient interaction required during testing.
3
After the Test:Results are available online. Discuss findings with your healthcare provider for treatment.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To identify bacterial species causing infections for accurate diagnosis, guiding targeted antibiotic therapy and reducing treatment delays.

How to Prepare

  • Submit pure growth of bacteria on a solid agar plate
  • Ship refrigerated, do not freeze
  • Label sample with patient details

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670

"This test provides rapid identification of bacterial pathogens, enabling targeted antibiotic therapy and improving patient outcomes."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypePure growth of bacteria on a solid agar plate
ContainerSterile agar plate
Collection MethodCulture and submission

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: Not Applicable
Refrigerator (2-8°C): 48 hours
Frozen: Not Applicable
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Improper sample type (e.g., liquid culture, contaminated)
  • Sample frozen or at room temperature
  • Incorrect labeling or incomplete details

Understanding Your Results

Results from MALDI-TOF MS provide bacterial species identification with a confidence score. A high confidence score (≥95%) indicates reliable identification.
Review the identified bacterial species and confidence score
Correlate with clinical symptoms and patient history
Consult infectious disease specialist for treatment planning
Use results to guide antibiotic selection
Note any limitations if confidence is low
⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If symptoms persist or worsen after diagnosis, or if treatment based on results is not effective, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Limitations

  • ⚠Requires pure bacterial culture, not suitable for direct clinical specimens
  • ⚠May not identify all bacterial strains if not in database
  • ⚠Effectiveness depends on sample quality

Risks & Considerations

  • ●No significant risks from the test itself
  • ●Sample collection risk is minimal if handled properly

Interfering Factors

  • ●Contaminated sample
  • ●Improper storage or handling
  • ●Presence of non-bacterial contaminants

Compare With Similar Tests

TestMALDI-TOF: MS Bacteria Identification TestCulture and SensitivityGram StainPCR for BacteriaAutomated Identification Systems
ComparisonMALDI-TOF: MS Bacteria Identification Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MALDI-TOF MS Bacteria Identification Test?
It is a diagnostic test that uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify bacterial species quickly and accurately from clinical samples.
How does the MALDI-TOF MS test work?
The test analyzes the protein profile of bacteria using laser desorption ionization and mass spectrometry, matching it to a database for identification.
What is the cost of the MALDI-TOF MS Bacteria Identification Test at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 1228.5, with free home sample collection available in many cities across India.
How is the sample collected for this test?
A pure bacterial culture on a solid agar plate is submitted and shipped refrigerated to the lab. No special patient preparation is needed.
What symptoms indicate the need for this test?
Symptoms of bacterial infections include fever, chills, fatigue, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consult a doctor if these occur.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available on the same day the sample reaches the lab, with reports delivered online, via email, or WhatsApp.
Is the test covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. It is not typically covered under government schemes like PMJAY, but check with your provider.
What are the benefits of this test?
Benefits include rapid and accurate diagnosis, identification of specific bacterial strains, targeted treatment, and reduced antibiotic resistance.
Are there any risks or side effects?
The test itself has no significant risks. Sample collection is low-risk when handled properly.
How accurate is the MALDI-TOF MS test?
It is highly accurate, with confidence scores often above 95% for reliable identification when the bacterial strain is in the database.
Can this test identify all types of bacteria?
It identifies a wide range of bacteria but may not detect all strains if not present in the database or if the sample is impure.
What should I do if I have symptoms of a bacterial infection?
Consult a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and to determine if testing like MALDI-TOF MS is appropriate for diagnosis.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

Related Tests

Adenovirus Antigen for Respiratory Infections Test

₹1,849

Bacterial Pneumonia Panel PCR Test

₹10,000

ME (Meningoencephalitis) Advantage Test

₹24,336

Culture Diphtheria Test

₹1,357

Culture ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) Screening Test

₹983

(1 3)-Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) Test

₹13,000
For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

LIMS Integration

Your Data Privacy

Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

Book Your Test

Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.

🧬

Quick Connect

Enter your mobile number and we’ll connect you with the team.

+91

✅ Connecting you now...

🔒 Your number is used to respond to this request.