title: The impact of non-endotoxin LAL-reactive materials on Limulus amebocyte lysate analyses.
abstract: Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) is activated by bacterial endotoxins and certain glucans (beta-D-glucan, LAL-RM). The potential for conflicting inter-laboratory results for LAL tests exists because commercial LAL reagents are highly variable in response to LAL-reactive glucans. The nature of beta-D-glucan activation of LAL and means for rendering LAL non-responsive to glucan are reviewed to provide a background for resolving conflicting data. Kinetic LAL methods are particularly useful for screening materials potentially contaminated with glucan. The presence of beta-D-glucan in parenterals is uncommon and is likely limited to products exposed to microbial or cellulosic materials. A scheme is suggested for identifying LAL-reactive glucans and for LAL release-testing without glucan interference.
authors.affiliation: Charles River Endosafe, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Weary
authors.forename: F T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D005936:Glucans / Q000032:analysis; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008033:Limulus Test / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D005936:Glucans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents