Limulus

Amebocyte Lysate Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) is a liquid extract from the blood cells of horseshoe crabs that is used to detect bacterial endotoxins. Endotoxins are toxic substances released by certain bacteria and can lead to fatal reactions if introduced into the body. LAL testing is performed by measuring the gelation of the extract when it encounters a known concentration of endotoxin. LAL is an important tool in ensuring the safe production of medical and pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, injectables, and implanted devices. It is also used in environmental testing of water and soil to ensure bacterial contamination has not occurred. The sensitivity and accuracy of LAL testing makes it the industry gold standard in endotoxin detection.