---
title: Retraction Checker - Is This Paper Retracted? | Scholar Sidekick
description: Check if a paper has been retracted or corrected. Enter a DOI or PMID and see its retraction status. Powered by Retraction Watch via CrossRef.
doc_version: "1.0"
last_updated: "2026-05-18"
---

# Retraction Checker

> HTML version: https://scholar-sidekick.com/tools/retraction-checker

Enter a DOI or PMID and see whether the paper has been retracted, corrected, or had an expression of concern raised. Powered by the [Retraction Watch](https://retractionwatch.com/) database via Crossref.

## What this tool does

Looks up the identifier in the Retraction Watch index (the canonical registry of retracted, corrected, and concern-flagged scientific papers) and returns the status with the date, reason category, and a link to the retraction notice when one exists. Critical pre-cite check for any paper you intend to rely on in a manuscript, systematic review, or evidence summary.

## How to use

1. Open [the tool](https://scholar-sidekick.com/tools/retraction-checker).
2. Paste the identifier.
3. Read the status. A "no retraction record" result means the paper is not in the index; it does not guarantee the paper is in good standing - just that the registry has not flagged it.

## Programmatic access

The retraction lookup is available via the [`POST /api/retraction-check`](https://scholar-sidekick.com/docs) endpoint and the [scholar-sidekick MCP](https://scholar-sidekick.com/mcp) `checkRetraction` tool. Anonymous access is free with a published rate limit.

## Related tools

- [Open Access Checker](https://scholar-sidekick.com/tools/open-access-checker) - the access counterpart: is a legal free copy available?
- [Citation Verifier](https://scholar-sidekick.com/tools/citation-verifier) - check that a claimed citation matches the paper at its identifier
- [Citation integrity in the age of AI](https://scholar-sidekick.com/citation-integrity) - long-form explainer on citation fabrication and the verifier surface
- [Free tools index](https://scholar-sidekick.com/tools) - all citation tools

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](https://scholar-sidekick.com/sitemap.md) for all pages.