Tailored Barium Swallow Study

What is a tailored barium swallow study (TBS)?
How do you get ready for the test?
What is done during a tailored barium swallow study?
What does barium taste like?
What should you do after the test?
How long will the test take?
How can this short study show how you/your child really swallows?
How do you get to your appointment?

What is a tailored barium swallow study (TBS)?

The tailored barium swallow study (TBS) is a special study that is completed in radiology. The test evaluates the mouth and the throat while swallowing. The test shows where foods and liquids go when a person swallows. It helps clinicians to identify the reasons for swallowing problems and to determine if there are ways to keep swallowing safe. A videotape is made that shows the food/liquid in the mouth, moving over the tongue, through the pharynx or throat and into the esophagus.

How do you get ready for the test?

• Children over 12 years to Adult – You may eat or drink prior to study.

• Children under 12 years –

• Do not eat or drink 4 hours before the test is scheduled. Your child should be thirsty and ready to drink upon arrival for the study.

• Take medications at the regular times with a small sip of water.

• Bring the following:

  • Cup (if there is a special cup your child likes to use)

  • Sippy Cup

  • Bottle

  • A challenging food, (a food they have trouble with often)

A family member or caregiver will be encouraged to stay in the x- ray room to make it easier for the child. The tailored barium swallow study uses x-rays and caregivers who are pregnant cannot be in the room with the child. Another person familiar to the child should also come to the study if this is the case.

What is done during a tailored barium swallow study?

Each TBS will be set up to meet the needs of each person.

For example, an infant may drink from a bottle whereas an older child and adult may drink from a cup and/or through a straw. The study is completed in a radiology (x-ray) suite or room. The Speech-Language Pathologist works with a radiologist or radiology practitioner assistant (RPA). The Speech Pathologist selects food/and or liquid textures to be studied, determines the number of bites and the size or amount of each bite. The Speech Pathologist will provide an assessment of the swallowing. If there is a swallowing problem, the Speech Pathologist will discuss treatment. The RPA operates the fluoroscopy equipment and a radiologist makes medical diagnoses and identifies if there are any structural problems.

You/Your child will drink liquids or eat foods mixed with barium. Different textures of food are often given. The barium is a contrast material that makes the food and liquid show up on the images as dark gray or black.

• Adults – You will sit in a chair while you drink and eat foods of different textures.

• Children - Your child will sit in a special chair, much like a car seat, to provide support. A parent or familiar caregiver can feed the child or stand close to them while the study is completed.

What does barium taste like?

Barium comes in several different consistencies and is artificially sweetened and flavored. Special foods and containers, for example your child’s own cup, may be helpful in getting your child to drink in a more natural manner.

What should you do after the test?

Barium rarely causes any problems. It passes through the digestive system. Drink extra fluids for 12 to 24 hours after the study. If your/your child becomes constipated after the study, drink more liquids. If the constipation continues, talk with your doctor.

How long will the test take?

The entire TBS will take about 30 minutes, while the swallowing portion takes only about 10 minutes. More time is needed to set up the room, prepare foods mixed with barium, and position you/your child before the recording starts. After the study is completed, the recording is reviewed and explained by the Speech Pathologist.

How can this short study show how you/your child really swallows?

The TBS is an excellent method to gather information about how you/your child swallows and the risk there may be for food or liquids going into the airway. The Speech Pathologist plans the TBS so that a sample of a few swallows of various textures shows how you/your child swallows during mealtimes. This information is interpreted along with the history and from observations. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled with the Speech Pathologist if there are problems identified during the study and/or other treatment will be provided.

How do you get to your appointment?

Your appointment is in the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology). You will be directed where to go when you check-in. If you have any questions you can contact Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology) at 303.398.1611.

This information has been approved by Will Cook, R.T. M.A. and Eric Yager R.T.(R)(CT)(BD) (January 2017).