The Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay for the detection of endotoxin in fat emulsions for total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Fat emulsions spiked with Escherichia coli endotoxin were tested with Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) reagent, using both the micro method and the tube method. The effect of vortexing, ultrasonication and addition of Pyrosperse on the dispersion of endotoxin in these emulsions was compared. The advantage of using the tube method, rather than the micro method, is shown. Ultrasonication may substitute vortex mixing. Pyrosperse had no convincing effect.