Why endotoxin screening matters
Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharide fragments from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. They are stable, hard to remove and active at very low concentrations.
The LAL test
The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay detects and quantifies endotoxin. Results are reported in endotoxin units (EU) per milligram and compared with a specification limit.
Why purity isn't enough
A sample can be highly pure by HPLC and still carry endotoxin, because the test methods look for different things. Checking both results removes a variable from sensitive assays.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.