LIMULUS TESTS Meaning and
Definition
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Limulus tests refer to a set of laboratory assays used to determine the presence of bacterial endotoxins, specifically the endotoxins sourced from the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus). These tests are commonly employed in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and other industries that rely on the use of sterile products.
The horseshoe crab's blood contains a substance known as Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which exhibits a unique reaction to endotoxins. The Limulus tests are primarily used to detect and quantify the levels of endotoxins in pharmaceutical formulations, medical devices, and water sources. Such endotoxins can cause severe adverse reactions in humans, making their identification crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of biomedical products.
The Limulus tests typically involve adding a sample of the substance being tested to a solution of LAL. If endotoxins are present in the tested sample, they will stimulate a clotting reaction in the LAL solution, indicating a positive result. The tests can detect endotoxin levels as low as 0.01 EU/ml (endotoxin units per milliliter), providing high sensitivity and accuracy.
Limulus tests have become the standard method for endotoxin detection due to their reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. They have largely replaced previous methods that relied on animal models or chemical assays. Additionally, the use of LAL in Limulus tests does not harm the horseshoe crabs, as only a small amount of their blood is extracted during the process, and they are safely returned to their natural habitat after bleeding.
Common Misspellings for LIMULUS TESTS
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Etymology of LIMULUS TESTS
The word "Limulus tests" combines the name of the genus "Limulus" with the word "tests". The term "Limulus" comes from the Latin word "limus", meaning "mud" or "slime", referring to the habitat of these animals. The word "tests" is derived from the Latin word "testis", meaning "witness" or "proof". In this context, "Limulus tests" refers to the medical diagnostic test that utilizes the blood of horseshoe crabs, which are of the genus Limulus, to detect bacterial contamination in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
