The Tinetti test has been recommended and widely used in the elderly to assess mobility, balance and gait, and predict falls. Different versions can be found. A systematic literature search identified 37 publications on the Tinetti test and falls. Wide variations were found concerning name of the instrument, test items, scoring, and cut-off values. This heterogeneity interferes with evaluations of the test's validity, reliability and generalisability. Researcher and clinicians should be aware of this fact, when dealing with the Tinetti test.