[Endotoxin content of samples of pasteurized milk: preliminary findings]

By Limulus lysate assay, endotoxin was found in pasteurized milk samples from commercial source. The range was 32 to 128 microgram per ml, without any change when the samples were refrigerated. By contrast, the endotoxin content rose 512 to 2048 microgram per ml when milk was maintained at room temperature for 24 hours and 1024 to 6400 microgram per ml when samples were examined after 72 hours. These findings suggest a possible clinical implication, and support the concept that Limulus assay appears to be a rapid, reliable, and sensitive test for a quality control in commercial milk samples.