Pyrogenic lipopolysaccharides from the cell wall of dead, primarily gram negative, bacteria capable of causing multiple local and systemic pathological sequela, including fever, complement activation, cell lysis, tissue inflammation, diarrhea, micro-thrombi formation, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and endotoxic shock. Although sterilization kills bacteria, it does not destroy endotoxin, thus sterile products (like gloves and cellulose products) can have high endotoxin levels. Although there are required maximum levels on intravascular devices and even much lower maximum levels for products that contact the central nervous system. There are no requirements for the gloves that handle them. Endotoxin is readily transferred from gloves to other surfaces or washed into wounds when in contact with blood, tissue fluids or sterile irrigation saline.