Course

Reading test results language — ‘incidental finding’, ‘chronic’, ‘acute’, and ‘clinically significant’ (Advanced)

Advanced course: how to interpret common medical report phrases and ask clarifying questions so patients don’t panic or miss important findings

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorAdvanced20 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

What you'll learn

  • Understand common report words across imaging and labs
  • Separate urgent findings from incidental ones
  • Ask clarifying questions that link findings to actions
  • Build a personal glossary to reduce confusion over time

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. ‘Incidental’ often means ‘found by chance’ and not necessarily dangerous.

Question 2

2. ‘Acute’ usually means…

Question 3

3. A clarifying question is…