Screening Culture Media and Sera for Endotoxin Testing

Abstract

Endotoxin, part of the cell wall of all gram-negative bacteria, contains a highly biologically active lipopolysaccharide which causes a pyrogenic reaction in warm-blooded animals and is a direct result of bacterial contamination. Therefore, the presence of endotoxin in pharmaceutical products or medical devices is a cause of great concern. Once present, pyrogenic endotoxin is difficult or impossible to remove, depending on the product.