The limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay--a replacement for the rabbit pyrogen test

Pharmaceutical products which are to be given by injection are required by law to be sterile and pyrogen-free. This paper outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of the rabbit pyrogen test. It then covers briefly the history of the development of the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate assay, followed by the advantages and disadvantages this assay has for use in the pharmaceutical industry.