The standardizing texture of thickened barium stimuli in the videofluoroscopic swallowing study at a medical center in Taiwan

This study aimed to establish more practical standardized barium stimuli formulas for the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) for clinical use. For clinical practice, we established the formula for preparing barium stimuli to comply with different International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) levels. To comply with the definition of IDDSI levels 0-4, the gum-based thickener concentration of thickened barium was 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, and 2.0 g/100 mL, respectively. The formulas established in this study may replace traditional barium stimuli for dysphagia assessment in clinical settings.