LAL vs recombinant Factor C (rFC)
In short
The LAL test uses lysate from horseshoe-crab blood to detect endotoxin, while recombinant Factor C (rFC) uses a synthetic enzyme that delivers equivalent sensitivity without relying on animals. rFC is now recognised by major pharmacopoeias as an alternative method.
The LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) test has been the standard endotoxin assay for decades. It relies on a clotting cascade in lysate derived from horseshoe-crab blood, a limited natural resource.
Recombinant Factor C reproduces the first enzyme of that cascade synthetically. It removes batch-to-batch lysate variability, avoids interference from beta-glucans, and eliminates the animal supply chain — while matching LAL sensitivity.
Frequently asked
Is rFC accepted by regulators?
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