Videofluroscopy

What is videofluoroscopy?

Videofluoroscopy is a low dose moving x-ray of your swallow.  This is recorded on videotape or DVD to allow your swallow to be viewed:

• in real time
• slow motion
• frame by frame.

Why do I need to have a videofluoroscopy?

Videofluoroscopy:

• gives us more information about your swallow
• lets us know if you are swallowing safely – for example that food and drink is going into your stomach and not down your windpipe
• helps us find out  what food and drink you will find easiest to swallow
• helps us find different ways to improve your swallowing.

Do I have to do anything special?

No. You can eat and drink normally before your x-ray. It is also important that you take your medication as usual. Please remember to bring:

• dentures if you wear them
• any special cups or cutlery you use.

You may be asked to remove earrings, necklaces and zipped tops before the test as they can interfere with the x-ray image. 

What happens at the videofluoroscopy?

You will be seated in front of an x-ray machine and asked to swallow small amounts of food and drink. A powder called barium will have been added to this.  

The test does not involve any tubes and it does not hurt.

What is barium?

Barium is a radio-opaque material. This makes food and drink show up on the x-ray. This lets us see where food and drink is going after it has been swallowed.

Who will be at the x-ray?

Some or all of the following staff members:

• speech and language therapist 
• radiologist
• radiographer
• physiotherapist.

A family member or carer can also accompany you.

How long will it take?

It should take no longer than 30 minutes.

What are the risks and benefits?

There is exposure to external radiation during this procedure. The use of radiological investigations is an accepted part of medical practice, justified in terms of clear clinical benefits to the patient, which should outweigh the small radiation risks.

What happens after the videofluoroscopy?

The results will be analysed and a report will be written. The results will be discussed with you at your next appointment.

Any further questions:

Please contact your speech and language therapist.

L863, V2, 04/04/2019 (Archive: 04/04/2022)