Having a Videofluoroscopy
Date issued: January 2024
Review date: January 2026
Ref: B-505/DC/SaLT/ Having a Videofluoroscopy
PDF: Having a Videofluoroscopy final January 2024.pdf [pdf] 201KB
Videofluoroscopy
You have been referred for an assessment called a videofluoroscopy by your doctor and your treating Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). This is sometimes called a fluoroswallow or fluoropharynx.
What is a videofluoroscopy?
This is a specialist assessment that happens in the Radiology or X-Ray department. This assessment uses x-ray to have a detailed look at how you swallow. We use this assessment to examine any difficulties you might be having and to suggest strategies that may help you. We can also see if food or drink is going “down the wrong way”, into your airway. This is called aspiration.
Who will be there?
The videofluoroscopy is carried out by a doctor, usually a radiology Consultant or Registrar, a Radiographer and one or possibly two Speech and Language Therapists (SLT). One SLT will be part of the Derriford team, and the other may be the SLT who referred you to the clinic.
You can bring someone with you for support if you like. They can wait with you before the procedure, but they may not be allowed into the room. If you feel you would need extra support in the room, please let your SLT know.
How long will the assessment take?
We allow about thirty minutes for this assessment. However, if you feel you may need more time, please let your SLT know beforehand. Longer appointments can be offered if, for example, you have any mobility issues.
What happens during the videofluoroscopy?
You won’t need to do anything special to prepare for this assessment beforehand, you can eat and drink as you normally would. Try to arrive fifteen-minutes before your appointment time to give yourself plenty of time to check in. You will need to go to X-Ray West, on Level 6, for your appointment.
You may be asked to remove jewellery such as large earrings or necklaces as these can sometimes stop us getting a clear view. If your clothing has a lot of zips etc. you may be asked to change into a hospital gown in one of our changing rooms.
You will then be given some things to eat and drink that contain a “contrast material”, which shows up on the x-ray. If you want to try a specific food or texture then speak to your SLT about this beforehand, you may be asked to bring specially requested foods with you. Your SLT and your consultant will record the images as you eat and drink and will look over them in detail after the assessment. They may talk to you about the images straight away, but a final, detailed report will be written and sent to your GP or consultant and your treating SLT.
Your SLT can talk to you in more detail about the outcome and any recommendations which might be made after that.
What will I be asked?
You will be asked your name, date of birth and address by the radiographer. Please tell us if you think there is a possibility that you might be pregnant.
Your radiographer will ask you about this if you are in the age range where pregnancy might be possible.
Please tell us if you have any allergies, particularly any food allergies.
Neurodiversity
If you are neurodiverse, please let us know if there are any adjustments that we can make which might make you feel more comfortable in your session. This might include having a longer appointment time, having fewer people in the room or even lower light settings.
