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This information was reviewed and approved by Jeffrey James Swigris, DO, MS (9/1/2017).

The first step in diagnosing IPF is a thorough evaluation. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can be diagnosed only after ruling out other lung diseases. 


When the diagnosis of IPF is suspected, your doctor may have you do a number of tests. These may include:

  • A complete medical history
  • A complete physical examination
  • Chest imaging, including a chest X-ray and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Arterial blood gas
  • Exercise test and/or an assessment of blood oxygen levels during exertion
  • Blood tests looking for hints at the cause of the lung disease
  • Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage
  • Surgical lung biopsy

Your doctor may order other tests based on your history and physical exam.

You and your health care provider may choose to have you seen by a specialist, such as a pulmonologist (lung specialist) to confirm a diagnosis and treat your IPF once it’s diagnosed.