Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are ‘common use’ devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid identification. Despite their advantages, including ease-of-use, LFAs are not yet frequently applied at a crime scene. This review describes (academic) developments of LFAs for forensic applications, focusing on biological and chemical applications, whereby the main advantages and disadvantages of LFAs for the different forensic applications are summarized. Additionally, a critical review is provided, discussing why LFAs are not frequently applied within the forensic field and highlighting the steps that are needed to bring LFAs to the forensic market.
Keywords: lateral flow assays; forensic investigation; body fluid identification; illicit drugs analysis; explosives analysis
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IssueIn the Netherlands, the National Public Health Foresight Study (PHF) is published every 4 years, as starting point for national and local public health policy development. As these policies impact citizens’ health and lives, it is important to include their voices. We piloted an approach to strengthen this engagement to learn and to inspire PHF in other (country) settings.Problem descriptionPHF is usually expert-based. Citizen engagement, beyond consultation, is not yet common practice. In the Dutch PHF-2024, we engage citizens both as advisors (citizen council, N = 30 and panel, N = 500) and as target group (focusgroups N = 40). Intentionally the scope is diffuse, allowing for unexpected input. What can we learn from this approach, and how do the citizens contribute to the PHF?Results- Citizens of all ages, backgrounds and education types are well able to discuss health (determinants), data and indicators;- They have intrinsic motivation to contribute to better knowledge, feel responsible for effective engagement and are eager to engage across different backgrounds and population groups;- Integration of outcome into the PHF process is valuable, enriching scientific with experiential knowledge and facilitating results communication;- Fundamental questions, e.g., about foresight time frames (“why look so far ahead as the world is in crisis right now!”) are raised by the citizens, showing that these need to be better addressed in order to make PHF relevant for a broader public.Lessons- More permanent engagement of the citizens is needed to enable learning and development;- earlier engagement in the PHF process may enable joint development of core questions and issues to be addressed;- The results are highly encouraging; piloting this approach in other foresight types and in various contexts is therefore needed to refine and further develop it.Key messages• Citizen engagement can and should be strengthened to include citizen voices in the PHF process, informing policies that impact on their lives.• Citizens of all backgrounds, with their experiential knowledge, can be valuable partners in PHF, that provide important input.
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