Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting antibiotic resistant bacteria in a sample. The method includes the steps of analyzing a sample derived from bacteria via mass spectrometry to produce a data set, and determining from the data set the presence or absence of a covalently modified antibiotic compound in the sample, wherein the presence of a covalently modified antibiotic compound in the sample is indicative that the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic. The present invention also relates to a kit for determining the presence or absence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in a sample. The kit includes reagents for preparing and performing the assay, and instructions for the set-up, performance, monitoring, and interpretation of the assay.