In all cases, age assessments should be carried out in a manner that gives primary consideration to the best interests of the child throughout the procedure. An age assessment should be carried out in two steps. A first step should comprise a multi-disciplinary assessment, which could include a psycho-social assessment and other non-medical methods, such as an interview, visual assessment based on physical appearance or assessment of documentation. Such an assessment should be carried out by professionals with expertise in age estimation and child development, such as social workers, psychologists or paediatricians, in order to assess various factors, such as physical, psychological, developmental, environmental and cultural factors. If the result of the multidisciplinary age assessment is inconclusive, it should be possible, as a second step, for the determining authority to request a medical examination, as a measure of last resort, and with full respect for the individual’s dignity. Where different procedures may be followed, a medical examination should prioritise the least invasive procedures before proceeding to more invasive ones taking into account guidance from the Asylum Agency where relevant. If, following the age assessment, the results remain inconclusive, the determining authority should assume that the applicant is a minor.