[Pyrogen testing in vitro using the Limulus test].

The applicability of the Limulus test for the pyrogen test was checked in comparison to the pyrogen test in rabbits. In 6 out of 24 lots of raw materials and drugs pyrogens could be detected by means of the pyrogen test in rabbits. 2 of these 6 lots showed positive reaction in the Limulus test, there were no false positive results. Testing 7 bacterial strains in modified quantity of germs the Limulus test turned out to be more sensitive than the pyrogen test in rabbits. The application of this in vitro test as a complement to the pyrogen test in rabbits for a certain kind of problems is discussed.