A video fluoroscopy swallow test is a special X-ray that looks at how you swallow. It helps us see how food and drink move through your mouth, throat and food pipe.
You will be asked to swallow food and drink mixed with a contrast such as barium. Barium is a white liquid that shows up on the X-ray. This helps staff see if there are any problems when you swallow.
If you are attending as an outpatient, unless told otherwise, please bring something to eat with you during the procedure. Something you find easy to swallow, and something you find more challenging.
Please report to the Farage Interventional Unit in Blue Reception on the first floor (Area 4)
You do not need to fast prior to this appointment, continue eating, drinking or tube feeding as usual.
The test is usually done by a small team. This may include a radiographer, a speech and language therapist and a nurse.
We are a training hospital. A student may also be in the room. Please tell a member of staff if you do not want a student to be there.
You can wear your own clothes. Please wear comfortable clothes if you can. Please remove jewellery.
When you arrive, staff will tell you where to go. In the X-ray room, staff will explain the test and you can ask questions.
Please tell the radiographer before the test if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
During the test, you will swallow small amounts of drink and / or food mixed with contrast. X-ray pictures will be recorded while you swallow.
You may be asked to sit or stand. You may also be asked to swallow a few times in a few different ways, such as by putting your chin down.
If you have a feeding tube in your nose or stomach, it does not need to be removed for this test.
The test usually takes about 45 minutes.
This test uses X-rays. X-rays use a small amount of radiation. The amount used in this test is low, and the risk is very small.
The radiographer will make sure the amount of radiation is kept as low as possible. They will only carry out the test if the benefit is greater than the risk.
Female patients who are pregnant or think that they may be pregnant, please contact Adult Speech and Language Therapy for advice. Contact the team by calling 01253 953873 or email bfwh.
There may be other tests, but your doctor or specialist team has requested this test because they think it is the best option for you.
If you have questions, please speak to your referring doctor or ask the radiology team on the day of your test.
After the test, the speech and language therapist will talk to you about what they have seen. You may also receive a letter with more information about your treatment or care plan.
Contact the team by calling 01253 953873 or emailing bfwh.
