Reference Manual - IARC Screening Group

Performing Breast and Pelvic Examinations• If she prefers, cover her knees with the drape. The drape can also beplaced flat across her abdomen so that you can make eye contact withthe woman and she can see what you are doing.Examining theExternal Genitalia• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them witha clean, dry cloth or allow them to air dry before beginning theexamination. 4• Turn on the light and direct it so that it shines on the genital area.• Put new examination or high-level disinfected surgical gloves on bothhands.• Seat yourself comfortably so that you can look at the externalgenitalia easily.• Touch the inside of her thigh gently before touching any of thegenital area so that you do not startle her.• Inspect the external genitalia (Figure G-12).• Look at the thighs for rashes and lesions.• Look at the pubic area for lice.• Look at the vaginal opening and perineum for rashes, sores andwarts (condyloma accuminata).Figure G-12. External Genitalia4 If hands were washed following groin examination, then omit this step.G-18 Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines for Low-Resource Settings