Influence of the syringe model on the results of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation initiative flow test

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate whether two different syringes yield different results in the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) flow test to evaluate liquid consistency. Methods: two 10-mL syringes (Bencton and Dickinson, manufactured in the United States, and Saldanha Rodrigues, manufactured in Brazil) were compared. Flow rate of water added with food thickener (maltodextrin, xanthan gum and potassium chloride) at three concentrations, and of barium sulfate at three concentrations was measured immediately after preparation and at 8 hours and 24 hours thereafter. Results: flow rate of both water and barium sulfate was higher with the Bencton and Dickinson syringe, with discrepancies between the two syringes in the classification of fluid consistency according to the IDDI framework. Conclusion: in the evaluation of the consistency of liquids by the IDDSI flow test, a Bencton and Dickinson syringe should be used, following the recommendations of the IDDSI group.