Bruker Unveils Expanded MALDI Biotyper Library and Rapid Sepsis AST Workflow at ASM Microbe 2026
Key Insights
Bruker's MALDI Biotyper CA System (search) now covers 549 clinically validated microbial species following FDA Claims 7 and 8 clearance, broadening diagnostic confidence in clinical labs.
A rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing workflow for positive blood cultures is under development, aiming to accelerate clinical decision-making in sepsis (search).
The MALDI Biotyper RUO/GP library expands to 5,325 species with approximately 30% improved filamentous fungi coverage, addressing a key microbiology challenge.
Bruker Corporation (search)'s Microbiology & Infection Diagnostics (BMID) division is presenting a significantly expanded portfolio at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, D.C., showcasing new capabilities across microbial identification, sepsis (search) diagnostics, molecular testing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows. The announcements reflect the company's push toward faster, clinically actionable infectious disease diagnostics and advanced clinical research support.
Expanded Clinical Library for the MALDI Biotyper CA System (search)
Central to Bruker's showcase is the expanded clinical capability of the MALDI Biotyper CA System (search), now enhanced by FDA Claims 7 and 8. The updated system features the MBT Compass HT CA software, the MBT FAST Shuttle US IVD, and an expanded FDA-cleared reference library that now covers 549 clinically validated microbial species spanning bacteria, anaerobes, and yeasts. This broader coverage is designed to help clinical microbiology laboratories improve both diagnostic confidence and workflow efficiency in routine microbial identification.
Rapid AST Workflow for Bloodstream Infections and Sepsis (search)
Bruker is also highlighting a new vision for advancing rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in clinical microbiology. The company is developing an innovative rapid AST workflow that combines the MALDI Biotyper CA System (search) with the Bruker Arc automated sample preparation solution for positive blood cultures. This workflow, currently under development, is expected to deliver faster, actionable diagnostics to support earlier clinical decision-making in critically ill patients with bloodstream infections and suspected sepsis (search).
Carla Schneider, Bruker's Director of Commercial Operations, Microbiology & Infection Diagnostics – Americas, stated: "At ASM Microbe 2026, we are showcasing how our expanding portfolio and innovation pipeline are helping laboratories move toward faster decision-making – including the next wave of solutions for rapid positive blood culture analysis."
New RUO/GP Solutions Debut in the U.S. Market
Multiple new solutions for the MALDI Biotyper RUO/GP systems, recently launched at ESCMID Global 2026, are being introduced to the U.S. market. These include the MBT Easy T Kit (GP), MBT Compass HT RUO/GP v.500 with an expanded library, and the MBT HT Library Creator (RUO).
The MBT Compass HT RUO/GP v.500 library now covers 5,325 species, with the latest expansion adding more than 600 new species. Notably, this includes approximately 30% improved coverage of filamentous fungi, addressing a recognized challenge in microbiology and supporting more comprehensive research applications. The MBT HT Library Creator (RUO) Module enables laboratories to generate, manage, and share custom libraries within the MBT Compass HT environment for research purposes.
Integrated NGS and Molecular Diagnostics Workflows
Bruker's portfolio expansions are complemented by advances in NGS and molecular diagnostics. The MBioSEQ Ridom Typer software (RUO), being introduced to the U.S. market at ASM Microbe 2026, supports reflex NGS testing as an extension of microbial identification and outbreak analysis workflows. Together, the MALDI Biotyper, IR Biotyper, and MBioSEQ Ridom Typer reflex testing form a cohesive workflow that enables laboratories to progress from microbial identification to epidemiological insight and genomic characterization. New classifiers for the IR Biotyper are also being introduced, further enhancing capabilities for rapid outbreak investigation and surveillance.