Does Anyone Know What R/o Means?

[bellybattle]

If anyone has read my previous post you will already know that I (yet again) am trying to figure out my results on my own. My doctor's office only has one nurse who is allowed to give out the results and she always seems to be gone. Last time, I had to wait forever for my blood test results because she had a conference to go to. Now, she's on vacation and won't be able to explain my small intestine biopsy results until she gets back next Wednesday. However, I was lucky that the hospital where the test was performed allows patients to pick up their results (they just won't explain them to you).

Anyways, enough complaining about that! I just noticed this statement on my biopsy lab results (I don't know how I missed this before):

POST OPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:

R/O Celiac Sprue

Does anyone know what this means? I really wish I could speak to my doctor!

Thanks in advance!

BB

[Rachel--24]

I posted already on the other thread but I think it could mean Rule Out...but I'm just guessing.

[bellybattle]

Thanks for responding again! Sorry to ask the same question twice - I thought it would be better if I reposted with a better subject line. Then I edited my last post right as you were responding which messed the whole thing up! I think it's time for me to go to bed! Sorry if I confused anyone.

BB

[skoki-mom]

BB,

I'm a nurse, Rachel is right, it means rule out. Basically, it's a term used for differential diagnosis when you are under investigation. If results are negative, we will say "Celiac disease has been ruled out", however you must keep in mind that your biopsy results could be erroneous if you have been gluten-free.

[lucky28]

Yeah, it does mean rule out, it is a good sign, it means your doctor is taking seriously the fact that you may have celiac and he has "put it on the table" of diagnosises(sp?) that he is considering and will test for.

Good luck with your surgery