Videofluoroscopy X-ray
Information and advice for patients
Speech and Language Therapy
What is a videofluoroscopy X-ray?
A videofluoroscopy X-ray is an investigation of any swallowing problems you may have.
The procedure is an X-ray examination of you swallowing food or drink mixed with barium
sulphate (often just referred to just as barium), which is a non-toxic, tasteless powder which
is added to food or drink to make it show up on the x-ray machine. The images produced are
then recorded on a DVD or computer.
What are the benefits of a videofluoroscopy?
The benefit of a videofluoroscopy is that it allows us to directly observe what is happening
in your mouth and throat when you swallow. After this we will be able to advise you on the
safety of your swallowing and to plan our treatment. We want to make sure you can swallow
safely.
What are the risks of a videofluoroscopy?
• You will be exposed to a very small amount of radiation during the investigation, but this
should not cause any harm.
• There is a very small risk that barium could enter your breathing tube (trachea), which
could lead to a chest infection which would need treatment.
Are there any alternatives to this test?
There are no alternative examinations that will give us such a detailed picture of your
swallowing.
What are the risks of not having a videofluoroscopy X-ray?
If you do not have a videofluoroscopy X-ray we may not be able to diagnose your condition,
your symptoms may persist and any treatment you need may be delayed or not given.
What do I need to do before the videofluoroscopy?
You do not need to starve yourself before having a videofluoroscopy.
If your speech and language therapist has asked you to bring food, drink and/or utensils
please bring these with you.
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Videofluoroscopy X-ray
Information and advice for patients
Speech and Language Therapy
What happens on the day?
The investigation takes 5 – 10 minutes and the
whole appointment usually takes about half an
hour.
When you arrive please go to the x-ray reception.
An ear, nose and throat consultant, one or more
radiographers and two speech and language
therapists will be present during your appointment.
The speech and language therapist will wear a
heavy lead apron for protection from the x-rays.
You will not need to get undressed, but may be
asked to remove earrings and necklaces for the
investigation.
You will be asked to sit in a chair or, if you are a
wheelchair user, can stay in your normal wheelchair.
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Videofluoroscopy X-ray
Information and advice for patients
Speech and Language Therapy
You will be given different things to eat and drink,
which are mixed with barium. You will be asked to
swallow each type of food 2 to 3 times. The barium
will not make the food or drink taste different, but
you may notice a powdery texture.
X-ray images are taken while you are doing this
and are recorded. This is how they will look:
What happens after the videofluoroscopy?
After the videofluoroscopy investigation you will be
able to discuss the findings with the team.
They may recommend a change of eating and/or
drinking and will make plans with you. They may
suggest that you have another videofluoroscopy in
the future.
You can go back to your normal activities straight
after the investigation, or as soon as you feel ready.
The barium may make your bowel motion (poo) pale
for the following day or two. Don’t worry, this is quite normal.
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Videofluoroscopy X-ray
Information and advice for patients
Speech and Language Therapy
Contact details
If you have any questions or concerns about this investigation please contact the Speech and
Language Therapy Department on:
0121 507 4475
Monday – Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm
Further information
For more information about our hospitals and services please see our website:
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
www.swbh.nhs.uk
Sources used for the information in this leaflet
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, ‘Videofluoroscopic evaluation of
oropharyngeal swallowing disorders (VFS) in adults: The role of speech and language
therapists’, 2007
If you would like to suggest any amendments or improvements to this leaflet please contact the
communications department on 0121 507 5420 or email: [email protected]
A Teaching Trust of The University of Birmingham
Incorporating City, Sandwell and Rowley Regis Hospitals
© Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
ML3558
Issue Date: February 2012
Review Date: February 2014
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