1. Add your report text
Your text stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded or saved.
2. Plain-English meanings
Terms found in your report will be listed here with a short, plain explanation.
Important: this is a dictionary, not a diagnosis. It explains what words usually mean. It does not judge your results or suggest any treatment. Normal ranges differ between labs, so always compare with the range printed on your report and discuss it with your doctor.
How to use the medical report terms explainer
- Copy the text of your lab results, scan report or clinic letter, or drop a text-based PDF.
- Click Explain terms. The tool looks for about 70 common medical words and abbreviations.
- Read the plain-English meaning of each word, with the line from your report where it appears.
- Write down anything you still don't understand and ask your doctor at your next appointment.
What this tool does and doesn't do
- It does: explain common lab names (like HbA1c, eGFR, ALT), imaging words (like steatosis, nodule, effusion) and report language (like unremarkable, bilateral, benign).
- It doesn't: read your numbers, tell you whether a result is normal for you, make a diagnosis or suggest treatment. Only a qualified clinician who knows your history can do that.
Frequently asked questions
Is my report uploaded anywhere?
No. The text and any PDF are read inside your browser and are never sent to a server.
Why wasn't a word explained?
The dictionary covers common terms only. For anything not listed, ask your doctor or check a trusted source such as the NHS or MedlinePlus websites.
A result is outside the reference range. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. Ranges cover most healthy people, and small differences are common. Your doctor will look at the result together with your symptoms and other tests.
Decoding Medical Jargon
The medical field has its own language, largely derived from ancient Greek and Latin. When doctors write clinical notes, radiology reports, or pathology summaries, they use highly specific terminology that leaves most patients confused and anxious. Our Medical Report Terms Explainer instantly translates complex medical language into simple, conversational English.
The Anatomy of Medical Words
Most complex medical terms are simply built by combining a root word with a prefix (at the beginning) or a suffix (at the end). Once you learn a few common suffixes, you can instantly understand hundreds of conditions:
- -itis (Inflammation): Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin.
- -ectomy (Removal): An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. A tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils.
- Hyper- and Hypo-: Hyper means too much or high (e.g., Hypertension = high blood pressure). Hypo means too little or low (e.g., Hypoglycemia = low blood sugar).
Empowering Patient Literacy
Studies consistently show that patients who understand their medical reports are more likely to comply with treatment plans and achieve better health outcomes. By using our free explainer tool, you are taking an active, empowered role in your own healthcare journey.