What is the diagnostic test used to evaluate for pulmonary fibrosis?

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for evaluating pulmonary fibrosis. This imaging technique provides detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs, allowing for the visualization of subtle changes in lung architecture that are characteristic of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.

HRCT is especially valuable because it can identify specific patterns associated with different types of lung diseases, such as reticular patterns or ground-glass opacities, which are indicative of fibrosis. These patterns are often not visible on traditional chest X-rays, making HRCT a more sensitive and specific tool for assessing the extent and nature of pulmonary changes.

While other tests such as chest X-rays may provide some information about lung structure, they lack the detail needed to assess fibrosis accurately. Flexible bronchoscopy and pulmonary function tests can be useful in the broader context of evaluating lung function and ruling out other conditions, but they are not diagnostic for pulmonary fibrosis on their own. Therefore, HRCT is the preferred method for diagnosing and evaluating the severity and progression of pulmonary fibrosis.