Patient Preparation for Video Swallow - Mercy Medical Center ...

Radiology Diagnostics – Video (Cookie) SwallowMercy Medical CenterDubuque, IowaWhat is a video procedure?A Cookie Swallow is an x-ray study to evaluate swallowing. This exam is performed underfluoroscopy in coordination with a Speech Therapist. Scheduling for this procedure is done bycalling Speech or Occupational Therapy and they will coordinate/schedule with RadiologyDepartment. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes.What Happens During the Test?• The patient will be seated and will swallow a variety of liquids and foods mixed withbarium, as the Radiologist takes video x-rays of the mouth and throat. These imagesshow how food passes from the mouth through the throat and into the esophagus.• They may also reveal aspiration---foreign matter entering the lungs—if barium enters thewindpipe. Aspiration puts patients at risk for lung infections. During the test the SpeechPathologist will be present to administer the liquid/food/ barium.• During the test, the Speech Pathologist may ask patients to alter their head position,such as tucking the chin, or to try various techniques, such as holding their breath, toimprove swallowing.• The imaging will be done using fluoroscopy and will be video-taped. A radiologist will bepresent to monitor the exam.• The images that are taken for the exam will be interpreted by a radiologist, and a reportwill be sent to the patient’s ordering doctor.Who interprets the results and how do I get them?A radiologist will review the images shortly after the exam is completed. A written report will besent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.The Speech Therapist may also discuss the swallowing study with the patient.Special InstructionsWomen should always inform their physician or radiology technologist if there is any possibilitythat they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding their baby.

Outpatient InstructionsPlease register 15 minutes before the scheduled exam time at the Admitting Registration desk onthe First Floor of Mercy Hospital. After registering, testing will be done in the RadiologyDepartment on Ground Floor.Name __________________________________________________________Exam date/time __________________________________________________Mercy Radiology Department563/589/9040