Evaluation of Point-of-Care Testing for C-Reactive Protein in Forensic Medicine
10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e246
- Author:
Joo Young NA
1
;
Jong Tae PARK
Author Information
1. Biomedical Research Institute, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Forensic Science;
Forensic Medicine;
C-Reactive Protein;
Point-of-Care Testing
- MeSH:
Acute-Phase Proteins;
Autopsy;
C-Reactive Protein;
Forensic Medicine;
Forensic Sciences;
Hemolysis;
Inflammation;
Point-of-Care Systems;
Point-of-Care Testing;
Sensitivity and Specificity;
Vena Cava, Inferior
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2019;34(38):e246-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein whose level increases in response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammation. It is used in clinical and forensic settings. Point-of-care (POC) testing has recently become available, and it is considered to be useful during postmortem examinations. However, laboratory testing of postmortem blood samples is difficult due to hemolysis and postmortem clotting. METHODS: The utility of POC testing for CRP during postmortem examination was evaluated using cardiac blood from the inferior vena cava. The whole blood sample was immediately tested using the POC instrument. Subsequently, the same sample was processed to obtain the serum, which was tested using common laboratory instruments. RESULTS: The postmortem POC test had a high positive predictive value and specificity, and the results strongly correlated with the laboratory test results. CONCLUSION: POC CRP testing is valid in postmortem examination and can be used in forensic medicine (postmortem inspection and autopsy).
