| Indication | Absence of HRCT features sufficient to diagnose IPF# |
| Setting | Surgical centre experienced in the management of interstitial lung diseases and in performing video-assisted surgical lung biopsies |
| Technique | Video-assisted surgery whenever possible (excluding transbronchial biopsies)¶ |
| Sampling | In depth, in several lobes+, avoiding the extremity of the lingula and middle lobe |
HRCT: high-resolution computed tomography. #: theoretical indication, to be balanced during multidisciplinary team discussion with risk associated with biopsy, age and possible comorbid conditions, and to be discussed with the patient; ¶: to collect samples of an adequate size; +: lesions may differ between the lobes.