Endotoxins are toxic substances, which are an integral component of the outer membrane and cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. Once introduced into the blood stream, even in small amounts, endotoxins can induce fever; they also active an inflammatory response, cause coagulation and a lowering of blood pressure. These symptoms are called endotoxemia.
We use a Limulus Ameogocyte Lysate (LAL) test to determine the presence of endotoxins in a sample. The LAL assay is the most sensitive and specific means available to screen for the presence of harmful levels of endotoxins in:
- Human drugs
- Biologics
- Animal drugs
- Medical devices
- Raw materials
A kinetic turbidmetric assay can then be carried out to provide quantitative endotoxin values.