Gloves aren’t always necessary when performing physical examinations on children, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians says.

The college has consulted with its members on their use of gloves when examining children, in response to the Medical Board of Australia’s new guidelines on sexual boundaries.

The guidelines state doctors should use gloves “when examining genitals or conducting internal examinations” as part of good practice.

But it adds: “Gloves may not be necessary when conducting external examinations of neonates, infants and young children.