The essay should cover the following points; 1- Advantages and disadvantages of both traditional methodologies and MALDI-TOF MS 2- Give a very brief overview of the MALDI-TOF MS technique 3- Be limited to bacterial pathogens - not viruses 4- Give examples where possible of where the technology has already proved valuable ( e.g antibiotic sensitivity and other example ) 5- Give scenarios where this technology might have greatest impact in the future and where there might be limitations.