Sensitivity of the Blue Dye Food Test for Detecting Aspiration in Patients with a Tracheotomy

Abstract

Aims: To explore the sensitivity and specificity values for aspiration with the blue dye food test (BDFT) in tracheotomized patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and explore what impact, if any, the accumulated oropharyngeal secretion level has upon the accuracy of the BDFT. Methodology: Simultaneous BDFT and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) proced ure were conducted with 21 tracheotomized patients. The patient’s accumulated oropharyngeal secretion level was evaluated first using a 5 - point secretion severity scale. The patients then received ice chips and various boluses which were dyed blue. The B DFT was