What to Expect During Your Videofluoroscopy

Patient Information Leaflet

What is this information about?

This leaflet explains what happens during a videofluoroscopy (swallow study).

It includes information about:

• What happens when you arrive
• What the test involves
• Who will be with you
• What happens during the X-ray
• What happens after the test
• Advice for parents and carers

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this leaflet because you or your child has been referred for a videofluoroscopy.

This test helps your Speech and Language Therapist understand how food and drink are swallowed, so they can recommend the safest way to eat and drink.

What is a videofluoroscopy?

A videofluoroscopy is a special type of moving X-ray that shows what happens when you swallow food and drinks.

It allows your healthcare team to see whether food and drink are travelling safely from your mouth to your stomach.

The test is painless and usually takes only a short time.

What happens when I arrive?

When you arrive at the hospital, please go to:

X-ray Department Level 4

Check in at the reception desk.

A member of staff will then take you to the Videofluoroscopy Room (Submarine Room) where your test will take place.

Who will be with me?

During your appointment you will meet:

• A Speech and Language Therapist
• A Radiographer
• A Radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging)

You can also have your parent, carer or another familiar adult with you during the test.

Why does everyone wear an apron?

Everyone who stays in the room during the X-ray, including parents and carers, will wear a lead apron.

These aprons protect against X-rays.

They are quite heavy because they are made from lead.

What happens during the test?

You may be asked to sit:

• In a chair
• In a highchair
• In your wheelchair

This depends on what is most suitable for you.

During the test you will be asked to eat and drink some of your usual foods and drinks.

The Speech and Language Therapist will help you with this and make notes about everything you try.

What does the X-ray machine do?

 The X-ray machine records a moving picture of your swallow while you eat and drink.

The Radiologist controls the machine.

The machine may move around you during the examination. This is normal and helps capture the best pictures.

You may be asked to:

• Sit up straight
• Lean forwards
• Lean backwards

This helps the team see exactly what is happening when you swallow.

What happens after the test?

Once the test is finished, the Speech and Language Therapist will review the X-ray video.

They will look to see whether food and drink are travelling safely to your stomach.

Sometimes food or drink may enter the airway instead of the food pipe. The test helps identify this so the safest eating and drinking advice can be given.

The team will advise:

• Which foods and drinks are safe
• Which textures may need changing
• Any foods or drinks that should be avoided

Sometimes the results can be discussed with you straight away.

In other cases, the team may need to review the video in more detail before sending a written report.

Once your appointment has finished, you will be able to go home.

Advice for parents and carers

Please bring:

• A selection of your child’s usual food and drinks (unless your Speech and Language Therapist has advised otherwise).
• Any food or drink that your child finds particularly difficult to swallow.
• Your child’s usual cup, beaker or spoon if they have a preferred one.
• A change of clothes in case of spills.

If you are staying in the room during the examination, you will need to wear a lead apron. These aprons are heavy and can become warm, so wearing layers of clothing is recommended.

Who can I contact for further information?

Important

Every videofluoroscopy assessment is tailored to the individual. Your Speech and Language Therapist will explain the results and any recommendations to help ensure eating and drinking remain as safe as possible.