Endotoksinimäärää

Endotoksinimäärää refers to the quantity or level of endotoxins present in a sample. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are not typically released until the bacteria die and their cell walls disintegrate. These substances are pyrogenic, meaning they can cause fever when introduced into the bloodstream or other tissues of mammals.

Measuring endotoxin levels is crucial in various fields, particularly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. For instance, it is essential to ensure that injectable drugs, medical devices, and sterile water are free from significant endotoxin contamination to prevent adverse immune responses in patients, such as fever, shock, and even death. The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay is a common method used to detect and quantify endotoxins. This assay utilizes the blood cells of the horseshoe crab, which have a clotting system highly sensitive to endotoxins.

The endotoxin limit for a product is determined by regulatory bodies and is based on the intended use and route of administration. For example, the acceptable endotoxin level for intravenous administration is much lower than for oral ingestion. Monitoring endotoxinimäärää is a critical quality control measure to guarantee the safety and efficacy of medical products and to maintain sterile environments.