Catriona M. Steele, PhD, Bonnie Martin-Harris, PhD, Memorie Gosa, PhD, Stephanie Edwards Allen, BSRT, MBA

The MBSS, also known as a video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), is a barium-sulfate–enhanced fluoroscopic motion study used to evaluate anatomy and swallowing physiology si­multaneously in real time. Varibar, an FDA-approved barium sulfate product for evaluation of dysphagia, together with The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), are used to ensure standardization and reproducibility in the MBSS. This monograph explains the relationship between Varibar, the MBSImP, and the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation (IDDSI) framework in evaluation of swallowing in clinical practice.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain how the modified barium swallow study (MBSS), The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), and barium sulfate products are used to evaluate dysphagia
• Describe the development of FDA-approved barium sulfate products used to assess dysphagia
• Review the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation (IDDSI) framework: what it is and how it was developed
• Define the relationship between the MBSS, the MBSImP, barium sulfate, and IDDSI, and how they are used in clinical practice
• Summarize pediatric and clinical-practice considerations in performing the MBSS

This program has been supported through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.