A videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is a moving x-ray examination of the mouth and throat.
Why do I need a VFSS?
Your speech and language therapist has assessed that you or your child might have swallowing difficulties.
The x-ray will determine if there is a problem and, if so, what type of food and fluid are safest to eat, and whether there are any techniques to increase swallowing safety.
What happens during the VFSS?
You will be cared for by one or two speech and language therapists and a radiographer.
The speech and language therapists will prepare the food and fluids, guide you or your child through the assessment and interpret the findings.
The radiographer will operate the x-ray machine and recording equipment, take the x-ray and discuss interpretation with the speech and language therapist.
If needed, the appointment may include other professionals, such as a physiotherapist or local speech and language therapist. physiotherapist or local speech and language therapist.
We encourage family and carers to participate in the examination because their involvement and understanding are important to help you accept any necessary changes to your diet.
The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes.
You or your child may need to remove some clothing and wear a gown if the radiographer feels it is appropriate. Otherwise, you will wear a gown over your clothes to protect them from spills.
Make sure you wear nothing around the neck area that will impact the view of the x-ray. Necklaces and earrings must be removed.
We will position you or your child properly, either standing or seated near the x-ray machine. If you or your child is a wheelchair user and it is not possible to remain seated· in your own chair. Help is available from a member of staff or a hoist to transfer you from your chair to the X-ray seat.
Please let us know in advance if you will need help.
If you or your child has a feeding tube in your nose or stomach, it does not have to be removed.
We will give you or your child small amounts of liquid and different textured food coated in a paste that will show up on the X-ray. It tastes chalky but is not unpleasant. During eating and drinking, X-ray pictures will appear on a television monitor, showing the swallow.
You or your child can rinse their mouth as soon as the examination is finished.
What are the risks?
We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day of our lives. Each X-ray examination gives us a small additional dose. This dose varies with each type of examination. We will take every measure to minimise this dose.
Are there people who are not suitable for VFSS?
You will not be suitable for a VFSS if you are:
- Pregnant
- Medically unstable and fluctuating level of consciousness
- Unable to maintain an appropriate position
- Extreme distress or anxiety
- Have had an adverse reaction to barium before
- Are nil-by-mouth for reasons other than swallowing problems.
Do I need any special preparation before the examination?
You do not need to go without food or fluids before the examination as it is not essential to have an empty stomach.
What happens after the VFSS?
We will discuss the results with you briefly immediately after the X-ray. We will send your report to your speech and language therapist and your GP.
If needed, your speech and language therapist will contact you to discuss the results and implications in more detail. We can send a copy of the report to you.
What if I have a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)?
If you or your child has a PEG, please let the speech and language therapist know when you arrive.
Please bring equipment with you to flush your PEG following the assessment. You will need to flush the PEG 2-3 times during the 2 hours following the assessment using 50mls of water. If you have any concerns following the assessment about your PEG, please contact the PEG team.
I need an ambulance. Can you arrange this?
If you need an ambulance, you (or someone on your behalf) must contact North East Ambulance patient transport service.
Please contact them with at least three working days’ notice. Please let us know if you are arriving by ambulance.
Further information
For any queries please contact your speech and language therapist.
