Comparison of Plasma Extraction Techniques in Preparation of Samples for Endotoxin Testing by the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate Test,

摘要

Due to the presence of inhibitory and possible mimicking substances in plasma, difficulties have occurred in the use of the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) test. Currently, there are a variety of extraction techniques discussed in the literature which are used to remove these interfering substances, but there is little information comparing these techniques. Five such procedures were compared in their ability to provide an extracted plasma sample in which low levels of endotoxin could be indicated. In addition, they were judged on their ease of performance in a laboratory or clinical environment. Further study led to a modified extraction technique. With this modification the LAL test can indicate levels of endotoxin in plasma as low as can be indicated in water (0.06 ng/ml). This modified technique also included procedures whereby possible mimickers of the LAL test found in plasma were inactivated. The use of this technique should improve the reliability and validity of the LAL test in plasma. (Author)