Swallow Trials

Question 0

What quantities may be trialled?

Answer 0

1/2 teaspoon

Teaspoon

Multiple teaspoons

Larger quantities

Question 1

What consistencies are trialled?

Answer 1

Thin fluid (water)

Thickened fluid (syrup, custard consistency, yoghurt)

Soft solid (banana, buttered bread)

Dry solid (biscuit)

Assess the consistency least likely to cause aspiration first - if aspirating on thin fluid do not necessarily need to test up to dry solids

Question 2

What do we assess to do with posture in swallow trials?

Answer 2

a) body: 
Sitting balance
Trunk control 
Presence of hemiplegia 
Affect on symmetry 

b) head:
Head flexed - chin tuck
Head in extension
Head turned to left/right

Question 3

What is important to remember about the swallow test?

Answer 3

Suiter and Leder (2008)

Passing the test appears to be a good predictor of ability to tolerate thin liquids

BUT failure does not always indicate inability to tolerate thin liquids

Potential over cautious approach may lead to unnecessary restriction of fluids and foods