Comparison of Mechanical Disruption Techniques for Rapid Inactivation of Mycobacterium and Nocardia Species before Identification Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry

Prior to protein extraction for identification by Vitek MS, mycobacterial and Nocardia samples must be inactivated for safe handling outside the biological safety cabinet ([1][1], [2][2]). Previous studies have shown bead-beating samples for 5 min in 70% ethanol (EtOH) with glass beads followed by a