Expert system computer program for troubleshooting the gel-clot Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.
This article describes a knowledge-based or expert system computer program that can assist in troubleshooting the gel-clot Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) method for the assay of endotoxin in parenteral products and in-process materials. The program may also be used to train new personnel and/or to assist in the development of an LAL method for a new product or material. The program includes LAL assay information for 31 parenteral products and materials. The program uses rules-of-thumb and intuition to diagnose 155 possible LAL assay problems and logically reduce them to 37 recommended problem solving processes. The program also provides references to support its recommendation.