Abstract
Summary
The foregoing data, together with previous data on such other tests as the chick embryo and pertussis-treated mouse (7), indicate that the Limulus gel test is the most sensitive test available for the detection of endotoxin in its toxic or undegraded state. The test appears to be specific for endotoxin, since the amebocyte lysate is not clotted by normal blood or plasma or the individual vasoactive constituents known to be present in plasma of rabbits, dogs, or man. Because of its advantages in cost, simplicity, and sensitivity over all other available tests, it is to be preferred for monitoring a known endotoxemia, and for the detection of spontaneous endotoxemia.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.