LIMULUS TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The Limulus test, also known as the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test, is a laboratory assay used for the detection of bacterial endotoxins in pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and other industrial applications. This test takes advantage of the remarkable sensitivity of the horseshoe crab's blood (Limulus species) to a component found in the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin.
The Limulus test works by collecting the blue-colored blood cells, or amebocytes, from horseshoe crabs and isolating a protein known as coagulogen. When these amebocytes encounter endotoxin in a sample, a series of enzymatic reactions occur, resulting in the formation of gel-like clots. The presence and amount of endotoxin can be determined by measuring the degree of coagulation, which is visually assessed or quantified with specialized instruments.
The Limulus test has become an essential tool in industries that require the assurance of endotoxin control, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device production, and water quality monitoring. Its high sensitivity, simplicity, and speed make it a preferred method for detecting endotoxins compared to older and more complex methods.
The regulatory agencies, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), specify the use of the Limulus test as a mandatory test for endotoxin determination in pharmaceutical products to ensure their safety and efficacy.
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Etymology of LIMULUS TEST
The word "Limulus Test" is derived from the genus name of a marine arthropod known as Limulus polyphemus, commonly referred to as the horseshoe crab. The test in this context refers to a diagnostic or screening test that utilizes the blood of horseshoe crabs.
The Limulus Test, also known as the LAL test (Limulus amebocyte lysate), is a method that exploits the coagulation properties of horseshoe crab blood to detect the presence of endotoxins in various substances, particularly in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The term Limulus Test was likely named after the genus Limulus to emphasize the use of the horseshoe crab's biological properties in this specific scientific test.
