2nd-order laboratory parameters-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters-for differential diagnostic workup
- Small blood count
- Differential diagnosis
- Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein)
- Rheumatoid factor
- Cyclic citrulline peptide antibodies (CCP-AK)
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
- Blood gas analysis (BGA)
- Histology (fine tissue examination), cytology (cell examination) of biopsies (tissue sampling) taken during bronchoscopy (lung endoscopy); the following biopsy procedures were newly included for suspected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) [S2k guideline]:
- Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC: transbronchial lung cryo biopsy,).
- Surgical lung biopsy (SLB: surgical lung biopsy) (downstream only in case of doubt).
Note: Due to the risks associated with biopsy recovery for the patient, it should only be performed at experienced centers with appropriate technical requirements.[for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): evidence of a UIP pattern: interstitial drawing proliferation with honeycomb formation and possibly traction bronchiectasis (dilated bronchi due to shrinkage of surrounding lung tissue) with subpleural and basal predominance]]
