March 3, 2026Open Access

Evidence of point-of-care diagnostics in forensic death investigations: A scoping review

Key Points

Point-of-care diagnostics face challenges in standardization and integration into forensic practices, requiring further validation.
Current evidence indicates that point-of-care tools may assist but are not established diagnostic instruments in forensic investigations.
A comprehensive set of guidelines and standardized operating procedures is essential for effective use of point-of-care diagnostics.
Limited data suggests that POC diagnostics should initially be regarded as supplemental aids in forensic examinations.

Abstract

This review revealed challenges in ensuring the standardization, accuracy, and integration of POC diagnostics into established forensic practices. Further research is required to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and performance of POC tools in forensic settings. Comprehensive guidelines and standardized operating procedures should be developed to ensure the successful implementation of POC diagnostics in forensic investigations. Given the limited and heterogeneous evidence, POC devices in forensic death investigations should be seen as preliminary aids rather than diagnostic instruments.

Evidence of point-of-care diagnostics in forensic death investigations: A scoping review

Key Points

Abstract

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