What does "rule out" mean?

[Anonymous]

i called for my unltrasound results on my appendix today and it was for a live ultrasound, and the nurse said, they wrote, "they cannot rule out appendicitis" and to keep going to Emerg if the pain keeps getting worse. What does "rule out" mean?

[cavmanier]

It means that they are unsure and they're also implying either they don't have enough information to really have much of an idea or they doubt it's an appendicitis but don't have enough information to be certain. According to the mayo clinic, an ultrasound may be used "to help confirm appendicitis or find other causes for your pain" so they probably think you don't have that issue but aren't totally certain so they don't want you to hesitate to potentially use the ER.

[cavmanier]

by the way I would call their secretary or ask an advice nurse if you aren't sure.

[maiez]

It means it is still a possibility it could be appendicitis. "Rule Out" means to disqualify.

[Rocket_Queen]

That means that they cannot say with 100% certainty that it is NOT appendicitis.