Written by The endotoxin test is a procedure to measure the amount of endotoxins (a harmful type of bacterial cell) in a blood sample. The test is performed by mixing a blood sample with potassium thiocyanate and measuring the output on an endpoint titration curve. Endotoxins can cause sepsis, which is extreme inflammation of bodily tissue due to an overwhelming immune reaction to toxins released by bacteria.
Benefits of Endotoxin test
1. To determine if a patient has been infected by an external source such as a wound.
Endotoxins can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a potentially lethal condition where the body's immune system overreacts to the toxins. The test also helps to detect sepsis in patients who are not acutely sick because low levels of endotoxins may exist without causing symptoms.
2. To evaluate tissue viability and monitor the treatment of wounds.
Endotoxins are present in higher concentrations in nonviable tissue, and blood plasma levels of endotoxin tend to rise as wound healing progresses. Wounds that were not exposed to dirt or other contaminants will have lower levels of endotoxins. This information is important for the doctor to monitor wound healing, suppress inflammation, and provide proper treatment.
3. To detect bacteria in a blood sample.
Endotoxins can detect bacteria that may cause infection or sepsis (harmful endotoxin levels). Antibacterial drugs used to treat infections also contain endotoxins at much lower concentrations than in infected wounds or patients with sepsis.
4. To monitor patients with chronic illnesses.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease may result in low levels of endotoxins which the test can monitor. Endotoxin levels can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of specific treatments administered to patients linked to sepsis.
Conclusion
An endotoxin test is a routine method employed to evaluate and monitor endotoxemia, an inflammatory response to endotoxins. Endotoxemia can occur in cases of severe infection or when patients have been administered high levels of antibiotics. Endotoxin test has also helped monitor the effectiveness of treatments given to patients suffering from chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.
