What is a Modified Barium Swallow study?

At Faulkner Hospital, we provide evaluation of the swallowing mechanism via clinical bedside swallowing evaluations and/or Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies. An MBS study (also called a Videofluoroscopic swallowing study/VFSS,) is a diagnostic procedure that takes place in our Radiology Department and is recorded as a dynamic video sequence. Under video x-ray, the patient is asked to ingest a series of barium-coated foods and liquid samples.

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Radiologist then assess the patient's oral preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and upper esophageal aspects of the swallowing process, comparing the patient's safety and efficiency swallowing various food textures. During the procedure, the presence of aspiration (food entering the airway) may be observed. Following this study, recommendations regarding diet texture modifications, swallowing maneuvers, and/or further consultations may be provided by the SLP.

Prior to receiving an MBS study, the patient and/or caregiver may be asked to provide a brief history of the patient's swallowing problems, past medical history, medications, and concurrent pulmonary complications and/or weight loss associated with dysphasia.

The patient does NOT need to fast prior to the study.

For scheduling of this Special Procedure, please call the Radiology Department at
617-983-7020, and press #.

On the day of your appointment, please check in at Outpatient Registration (1st floor) 15-20 minutes prior to your appointment time to receive your current blue card and paperwork.

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