Diagnosing IPF: Key Tests, Time to Diagnosis, and Importance of Early Detection

Key Takeaways

• IPF diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, HRCT, and occasionally lung biopsy to identify usual interstitial pneumonia patterns.
• The average time to IPF diagnosis can be delayed up to two years due to symptom overlap with other conditions.
• Early diagnosis is crucial for influencing disease progression and treatment efficacy, enabling timely intervention with antifibrotic therapies.