The Limulus amebocyte lysate assay.

The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay is the most sensitive method currently available for the detection of bacterial endotoxin and is the official test for detecting the presence of pyrogens in pharmaceuticals. Although its value in detecting gram-negative infections is a controversial issue, the test can be used by the practicing physician as an adjunct to accepted diagnostic methods in selected clinical situations.