Table 3.

Statements not reaching consensus agreement for the assessment of HP diagnosis and/or cause in patients with unexplained ILD (n=54)

Statements	% agree
In day-to-day practice, the following tests are useful in helping to differentiate HP from other forms of ILD:
Lymphocyte proliferation tests. Home or workplace visit. Specific inhalation challenge (hospital based).	19 48 35
In patients where HP is the first choice clinical and radiological diagnosis, a BAL differential cell count:
Is not required if there is a clear history of exposure. Is not required if there is a clear history of exposure and an elevated level of specific IgG to a known cause.	59 61
HP is commonly attributed to ‘an idiopathic disease’.	54
Normal levels of specific IgG to avian proteins effectively exclude bird or feather down/duvet exposures as the cause of HP in exposed individuals.	15
BAL lymphocytosis may persist following cessation of exposure and is not a reliable method of identifying ongoing exposure.	43

BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage; HP, hypersensitivity pneumonitis; ILD, interstitial lung disease.