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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Digital Rectal Examination (Fig. 2a and 2b)

subject

description

During examination of the anal region and before doing the rectal examination, the hand is protected by a plastic glove. A number of disposable gloves of varying strengths are on the market. One may additionally use a finger cot on the forefinger, which is removed after the examination. The examination can also be done using a finger cot alone with the finger stuck through a piece of gauze that protects the rest of the hand. Right-handed examiners often elect to use the forefinger of the left hand for the rectal examination and keep the right hand uncontaminated for handling instruments.