Radiology Report Writing Practice Test

The step after searching the images is to define abnormal findings. This means precisely describing what is abnormal, including where it is, how extensive it is, and its characteristics—such as shape, margins, density, and relation to surrounding structures. You may also note symmetry, compare with prior studies, and describe whether findings are acute or chronic. This careful characterization turns overall impression into a concrete, reproducible description that the next steps—formulating a differential diagnosis and deciding on management or recommendations—rely on. Without clearly defined abnormalities, the subsequent reasoning can become unfocused or biased. Reasoning for the placement: the clinical history and the search for all visible features guide the interpretation, but you must first articulate exactly what deviates from normal before you can generate a plausible differential or suggest next steps. This makes the interpretation systematic and defensible, and it helps ensure important signs aren’t overlooked while you build the differential.