Which test uses the blood of the horseshoe crab to detect pyrogens?

The test that uses the blood of the horseshoe crab to detect pyrogens is the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) test. This test leverages the unique properties of the horseshoe crab's blood, which contains a substance called LAL that clots in the presence of bacterial endotoxins, a common type of pyrogen. When a sample potentially containing pyrogens is introduced to LAL, a reaction occurs, indicating whether pyrogens are present based on the clotting reaction.

This method is highly valuable in pharmaceutical and medical device industries for ensuring product safety, as pyrogens can cause fever and other adverse reactions in humans. The sensitivity and rapidity of the LAL test make it a preferred choice over other traditional methods, making it pivotal in quality control processes.