Diagnostic Technology (MALDI-TOF & More) + UTI Diagnosis & Urinalysis

Bacteriuria Definition

Presence of bacteria in urine; >10^5 CFU/mL indicates a UTI.

Pyuria Definition

Presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) in urine, making it turbid/cloudy.

Leukocyte Esterase Test

Enzyme in white blood cells that turns a reagent strip pad from colorless to purple.

Nitrite in Urinalysis

Compound not normally in urine; presence indicates bacteria like E. coli or Proteus.

Hematuria Definition

Presence of blood in the urine, caused by UTIs or other factors.

Turbidity (Urine) Cause

Cloudiness caused by neutrophils migrating to the infection site.

McFarland Standard Purpose

Reference used to standardize the turbidity/density of a bacterial suspension for Kirby-Bauer tests.

MALDI-TOF MS Definition

Mass spectrometry used to identify bacterial genus and species by protein profiles.

Matrix Solution Function

Acidic solution mixed with a sample to promote ionization by offering protons.

Ionization Process

A laser shoots the sample, releasing protein fragments to travel into the "Time of Flight" tube.

Time of Flight (TOF) Concept

Measurement of how long ionized proteins take to move a fixed distance; smaller proteins move faster.

Serology Definition

Rapid diagnostic method detecting a single protein or carbohydrate (e.g., Rapid Strep test).

PCR / Sequencing Function

Nucleic acid test detecting specific genes to identify genus, species, strain, and resistance.

Gold Standard for Identification

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), which reads the entire ~4–5 million nucleotide genome.