Modified Barium Swallow Study Preparation Checklist

Pre-procedure inspection checklist to confirm patient readiness, positioning, barium consistencies, radiology coordination, and contraindication screening before a modified barium swallow study (MBSS).

Patient and Order Verification

• Patient identity verified using two identifiers
  Confirm patient identity using two approved identifiers before preparation begins.
• MBSS order and indication confirmed
  Verify the modified barium swallow study order, clinical indication, and any special instructions.
• Relevant allergies or prior contrast reactions reviewed
  Confirm whether the patient has a history of barium intolerance, aspiration concerns, or other relevant reactions requiring escalation.
• Contraindication or safety concern identified
  Document any active contraindication, precaution, or reason the study should be delayed or escalated.

Patient Positioning and Mobility Readiness

• Patient positioned upright or per ordered protocol
  Confirm the patient is positioned as required for the study, typically upright in the fluoroscopy suite unless otherwise ordered.
• Head, trunk, and seating support adequate for safe imaging
  Verify the patient can maintain the required posture with appropriate support and without unsafe slumping or instability.
• Assistive devices or transfer support available as needed
  Confirm any required gait belt, wheelchair, transfer aid, or staff assistance is available before moving the patient.
• Patient able to participate in study instructions
  Assess whether the patient can follow simple directions needed for the videofluoroscopic exam.

Barium Consistencies and Supplies

• Required barium consistencies prepared
  Verify all ordered consistencies are available and prepared for the exam, such as thin liquid, nectar-thick, honey-thick, puree, or solid as applicable.
• Barium preparations labeled and within usable condition
  Confirm prepared materials are clearly labeled and suitable for use per local policy and manufacturer instructions.
• Appropriate utensils and feeding materials available
  Verify cups, spoons, straws, and any other required feeding tools are present and clean.
• Study materials match the ordered protocol
  Confirm the prepared consistencies and sequence align with the ordered MBSS protocol and any speech pathology requests.

Radiology Coordination and Imaging Readiness

• Radiology staff notified and available for the exam
  Verify the radiology team has been informed and is ready to proceed with the videofluoroscopic study.
• Fluoroscopy room and equipment ready for use
  Confirm the fluoroscopy suite, imaging equipment, and required accessories are ready and functional before patient entry.
• Communication completed between ordering team and radiology
  Document that any special instructions, precautions, or study modifications were communicated to the imaging team.
• Any delays or coordination issues documented
  Record any scheduling, staffing, or workflow issues that could affect study timing or completion.

Final Readiness and Escalation

• All required preparation steps completed
  Confirm the patient, supplies, positioning, and coordination steps are complete and the study is ready to begin.
• Outstanding concerns escalated to appropriate clinician
  Document whether any unresolved safety concern, contraindication, or missing preparation item was escalated to the ordering clinician or radiology lead.
• Inspector notes
  Add any additional observations relevant to the MBSS preparation process.