Peripheral Devices › Dysphagia System

Dysphagia System

Test texture-modified foods and thickened fluids, as recommended for people with dysphagia. Request by referencing part number IDDS.

Request Brochure

Why test texture-modified foods?

Dysphagia, swallowing disorders that prevent the movement of food and liquids from mouth to esophagus, affects five percent of the general population. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), established in 2013, developed standardized terminology with descriptions of texture-modified foods and fluids to help people with dysphagia receive the correct consistency of food and drink. Modifying the consistency of foods and creating thicker liquids are crucial elements of clinical treatment for patients who require prolonged care.

While the IDDSI framework provides a consistent texture description (Level 0 to Level 7), testing and assessment of IDDSI texture levels remain qualitative in nature and subjective in manner. However, quality assurance requires quantitative and objective measurements. A Texture Analyzer can repeatedly perform consistent tests at the same speed, compression distances, and scooping depths. The superior sensitivity of the instrument can accurately measure the differences between two similar samples that might otherwise be difficult to assess by hand.

Instrumental Methods

Fork and Spoon Pressure Tests

Measures the hardness of Level 5 to Level 7 food, assessing how the food changes when pressure is applied to the food with the tines/prongs of a fork or the back of a spoon.

  • Precise and repeatable applied force removes operator variation
  • Precise solid sample preparation using custom templates
  • Quick release adapter provides easy removal for cleaning between tests and thereby offers rapid sample throughput
    • Fork Cut Test

    Determine whether a food sample will break apart easily with the side of a fork. The fork cuts all the way through the sample to the test platform. Level 7 easy to chew foods must pass this test.

  • Fork Pressure fixture is mounted on its side to perform the fork cut test.
    • Fork Drip and Spoon Tilt Test

    Assess whether the food/fluid flows through the prongs of a fork, or the stickiness (adhesiveness) and the cohesiveness of the food

  • Sensitive automated analysis to measure sample behavior
  • Quick release screw on spoon/fork provides easy removal for cleaning between tests and thereby offers rapid sample throughput
  • Consistent fork/spoon movement through sample
  • Semi-solid sample volume minimised using a custom sample container

    • How It Works

    A range of parts are included that attach to the Texture Analyzer to provide the full range of instrumental tests that can be mimicked according to IDDSI manual methods.

    The base assembly can be configured to suit your testing needs, while a Load Cell Quick Release Adapter attaches the scoop or compression assemblies to the instrument. Additional assemblies and vessel are available as a set or individually.

    This system requires a Texture Analyzer with a 5kg load cell and Exponent Connect, Exponent or Exponent Lite software.

    Compatible with:

    TA.XTPlus

    Our flagship Texture Analyzer

    Learn More
    Get a Quote
    TA.HDPlus

    Heavy duty for high-force applications

    Learn More
    Get a Quote
    TA.XTPlus100

    Double the resolution and force capacity

    Learn More
    Get a Quote

    Not sure if this accessory is right for you?

    Contact us to talk through your unique texture analysis needs and challenges.

    Copyright © 2024 Texture Technologies Corp. and Stable Micro Systems, Ltd. | Hamilton, MA 01982 | 914-472-0531