Methods for inactivation and extraction of acid-fast bacteria from liquid media for characterization and/or identification using mass spectrometry

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method and kit for inactivation of acid-fast bacteria. In some embodiments, the method may include: transferring a sample from a liquid culture containing acid-fast bacteria to a first tube, wherein the first tube comprises a body, a first end to the body having an opening, and a second end to the body having a frustoconical portion ending in a concave tip; centrifuging the tube to pellet the acid-fast bacteria in the concave tip and subsequently decanting a supernatant; resuspending the acid-fast bacteria pellet in alcohol; transferring the suspension to a second tube containing beads; agitating the second tube to disrupt acid-fast bacteria cells; and incubating the suspension to inactivate the acid-fast bacteria in the test sample. The method may also include identifying the acid-fast bacteria with mass spectrometry.