SMTL provides an endotoxin testing service to manufacturers of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. We also offer endotoxin testing to hospital sterile services departments for monitoring endotoxin levels on re-processed instruments and the quality of their water.

SMTL are UKAS accredited for endotoxin testing of medical devices and fluids (including water)

For further information, or a quotation, please contact: smtl.biological@wales.nhs.uk

Method Offered

SMTL use a quantitative kinetic turbidimetric method for analysing samples for endotoxin. This method determines the total amount of endotoxin in a sample and therefore is more useful than the gel clot method which gives a pass/fail result.

Standards

British Pharmacopeia:  - Test for Bacterial Endotoxins (LAL Test)

United States Pharmacopeia:  - Bacterial Endotoxin And Pyrogen Tests

What are Endotoxins?

Endotoxins are complexes associated with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria which are constantly shed into the environment and released when the bacteria die or multiply. Bacterial endotoxins are the most common and by far the most potent pyrogen. (Pyrogen literally means heat generating, and the term refers to any substance, microbial or otherwise, which would induce a temperature rise when introduced into a patient). Commonly used methods of sterilisation generally do not destroy endotoxins, therefore a product may be sterile and free of viable microorganisms but not necessarliy be endotoxin-free.

Regulatory authorities require every batch of sterile products labelled as 'Non Pyrogenic' or 'Low Endotoxin' to be tested for pyrogens to a specified limit. Where limits are not available endotoxin testing may be used for any application that requires information on the presence of Gram-negative bacteria or endotoxins. Since endotoxins may remain long after the destruction of bacteria, the test can be used to look at the history of the sample and therefore serves as a useful tool for in-process monitoring of endotoxin levels.