Finally, when an injury is seen on clinical examination, it must always be considered whether there is a possibility that the injury might actually have been caused by the examination process. The taking of forensic swabs, application of labial separation, traction or the insertion of a speculum could all potentially result in minor trauma, such as a laceration of the posterior forchette, which could mistakenly be thought to have already been present. An awareness of this possibility and careful examination technique should minimise the chances of such error.