A chromogenic LAL assay is a quantitative test that detects bacterial endotoxins in a sample by producing a yellow color: How it works ? The assay mixes a sample with a LAL reagent and a chromogenic reagent to create a test solution. The chromogenic reagent contains a peptide linked to p-nitroaniline, a yellow dye. If endotoxins are present, the LAL reagent breaks the peptide bonds, releasing the yellow dye into the solution. The more endotoxin, the more yellow the solution will become. How it's measured? The color intensity is measured using a spectrophotometer or an absorbance microplate reader. The concentration of endotoxin in the sample can be calculated from a standard curve. What it's used for? The chromogenic LAL assay is used to test for endotoxins in biologicals, devices, filters, and tissue culture medium. It's particularly useful for testing small volume parenterals, vaccines, and antibiotics. The LAL reagent is an aqueous extract of blood cells from the Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus.