Bedsidesvelgetest

Bedsidesvelgetest, also known as the bedside swallow test, is a clinical screening used to assess swallowing function and safety at the patient’s bedside. It is designed to quickly identify individuals at risk of dysphagia or aspiration so that dietary changes or further evaluations can be considered. The test is typically performed by healthcare professionals such as speech-language pathologists, nurses, or physicians after events like stroke, head injury, prolonged intubation, or neurodegenerative disease.

The typical procedure involves observing the patient as they attempt to swallow small volumes of liquid or textured foods. Clinicians monitor for signs that may indicate a unsafe swallow, such as coughing or throat clearing during or after swallowing, voice changes, drooling, nasal regurgitation, or a drop in oxygen saturation. Common protocols include the administration of small volumes (for example, 5–10 ml or a small cupful) and may progress to larger volumes depending on the patient’s tolerance and safety. The test may also include brief assessments of lip seal, tongue control, and alertness.

Interpretation of results is that an abnormal screen suggests a heightened risk of dysphagia or aspiration and warrants caution with oral intake. It does not provide a definitive diagnosis; if results are concerning, instrumental investigations such as videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) are typically pursued to characterize the swallow more precisely.

Limitations of bedsidesvelgetest include the potential for false negatives, especially in cases of silent aspiration, and its reliance on clinician judgment. It is used as a preliminary screen to guide management and the need for further testing.