Endotoxin analysis
Surfaces
Analysis of endotoxins on surfaces following suitable sampling and sample preparation, according to an agreed test design.
Endotoxin determination on surfaces
Surfaces can be tested for bacterial endotoxins depending on the application, material and hygienic relevance. Analysis may be useful for investigations concerning products, processes, hygiene or materials.
Depending on the sample and matrix, endotoxin determination for surface samples uses a kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay: either turbidimetric (Turbi-LAL) or chromogenic (Chromo-LAL). Endotoxins are collected from the surface using a suitable method, prepared for analysis and then quantified.
A suitable testing approach depends on the surface, material, sampling area, enquiry and methodological feasibility. Potential effects of the sample matrix or surface material are taken into account when selecting and evaluating the test design.
Surfaces & sampling
Testing tailored to the surface, material and enquiry
For surface samples, sampling and the recovery of endotoxins are essential parts of the test design. An agreed procedure may be required depending on the material, surface structure and enquiry.
The analytical assessment depends on factors such as the defined sampling area, surface material, potential residues, matrix effects and how the results need to be expressed.
For unknown or particularly challenging surfaces, a technical feasibility assessment may be useful before the specific scope of testing is established.
Where needed, Glucashield® is used to suppress interference caused by (1→3)-β-D-glucans in the LAL assay. Additional glucan testing can be arranged where relevant to the enquiry.
Defined sampling area
Results can be expressed per unit area where the sampling method, surface and testing objective make this technically appropriate.
Accounting for surface effects
The material, surface structure, residues or other matrix effects may influence sample preparation and the test design.
Evaluation according to test design
Results are reported according to the testing objective and sampling method, for example in relation to surface area, the sample as a whole or the extract.
Need endotoxin testing for surfaces?
We can assess which testing approach is suitable for your surface, material or specific enquiry.