Illuminating the Evidence: Alternate Light Source in Forensic Nursing

This presentation provides an overview of ALS use in forensic nursing practice. Participants will review the fundamentals of light science, including the electromagnetic spectrum, wavelength, absorption, reflection, and fluorescence, and how these principles enhance visualization of injuries and forensic findings. The session will address clinical applications, limitations, and common sources of false-positive results. Safety considerations, barrier filter use, and documentation best practices will also be discussed. This course supports consistent, ethical, and equitable ALS use to strengthen injury identification and forensic documentation. 1.5 CEs will be offered upon completion of the course.

Objectives include:

1. Describe the principles of reflection, absorption, and fluorescence as they relate to ALS use.
2. Identify appropriate clinical applications and limitations of ALS, including common false-positive findings.
3. Apply best-practice considerations for safe, ethical, and equitable ALS use.