The rapid evaluation of bacterial growth and antibiotic susceptibility in blood cultures by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

We have measured the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) in the headspaces of conventional BacT/ALERT blood culture bottles (Biomerieux, Durham, NC) artificially infected with 5 bacterial strains. Uninfected blood samples were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria meningitidis. Growth and species identification were determined at 6 h by measuring a panel of 9 VOC products.

Detection of volatile metabolites produced by bacterial growth in blood culture media by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS).

To achieve faster bacteremia diagnosis, selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) measured metabolic gases in the headspaces of BacT/ALERT blood culture bottles. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria meningitidis growth and trace gas patterns were detected from 10 colony forming units after 6 h.