*2.3.4 MALDI-TOF*

The proteomic method "Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-offlight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)" for identification of microorganisms directly from culture coupled with Gram stain has given new direction, saved considerable amount of time in diagnosis of UTI, and contributed greatly in the field of clinical microbiology in general. It can identify different pathogens accurately and significantly in short time. The utilization of this technology for the diagnosis of UTIs and furthermore in preforming antibiotic susceptibility tests to decrease the testing time from days to as fast as 2 hours can open wide doors [78, 79].
