RADEX: a rule-based clinical and radiology data extraction tool demonstrated on thyroid ultrasound reports

Question Radiology reports contain vital information that is buried in unstructured free-text fields. Can we extract this information effectively for research and audit applications? Findings A rule-based RAdiology Data Extraction tool (RADEX) is described and used to classify fourteen key findings from thyroid ultrasound reports with sensitivity and specificity > 0.95. Clinical relevance RADEX offers clinicians and researchers a time-saving tool to accelerate structured data collection. This practical approach prioritises transparency, repeatability, and usability, enabling new insights into improved patient care.