Clinical Applications of the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate Test

Book excerpt: The primary focus of this book is to present the various clinical applications of the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test for the detection of Gram-negative bacterial endotoxins. Using the clinical syndrome approach, it presents information from leading authorities pertaining to endotoxemia, meningitis, bacteriuria, gonorrhea, pyogenic arthritis, otitis media, ocular infections, peritonitis and perforation in blunt abdominal trauma, allied medical applications including hemodialysis water testing, and veterinary applications. This volume includes discussions on such topics as bacterial endotoxins and their clinical significance, the horseshoe crab and the various methodologies used in the LAL test, and the role of the Food and Drug Administration in the regulation of the LAL test. This publication is an absolute must for every physician, medical student, nurse, pathologist, toxicologist, microbiologist, public health official, and laboratory technician, as well as everyone involved in the teaching, evaluation, management, and treatment of clinical situations involving Gram-negative bacteria.