Table 4.
Comparison of time, cost, and level of training required for routine identification of one isolate using the different techniques in our clinical laboratory
| Identification technique | Time required for identification of one isolate | Cost (euros) | Level of training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gram staining | 6 min | 0.6 | Medium to high |
| API system identification (bioMérieux) | 18–48 h | 4.6–6 | Medium |
| Vitek 2 system identification (bioMérieux) | 5–8 h | 5.9–8.23 | Medium |
| Molecular identification by 16S rRNA or rpoB sequencing | 24 h | 137.7 | Medium to high |
| MALDI-TOF MS by AutoFlex II system (Brüker Daltonik) | 6–8 min 30 s | 1.43 | Low to medium |
| MALDI-TOF MS by MicroFlex LT mass spectrometer (Brüker Daltonik) | 1 min 46 s | 1.35 | Low to medium |