lung and airway disorders
Asbestosis
Diagnosis of Asbestosis
A history of asbestos exposure Chest imaging (x-ray or preferably high-resolution computed tomography) Diagnosis of asbestosis is based on history of exposure to asbestos and chest imaging, such as chest x-ray or high-resolution computed tomography (CT). Bronchoalveolar lavage (a minimally invasive procedure that involves instilling sterile salt water into the lungs, then removing the fluid for analysis) or lung biopsy is potentially useful when the diagnosis is uncertain. The demonstration of asbestos fibers and/or asbestos bodies can help support the diagnosis but is not necessary. A lung biopsy is rarely needed to make the diagnosis. 