Bespoke Food Consistency Test Fork
The Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork is the only fork calibrated specifically to test that texture-modified food adheres to the IDDSI Framework, reducing risk and improving the management of dysphagia.
Why you need Viscgo’s bespoke Food Consistency Test Fork
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) provides testing methods that use forks and spoons to test if food texture adheres to the IDDSI Framework. Forks and spoons were chosen as they are inexpensive, easily accessible and available in most food preparation and dining environments. However, the dimensions and properties of forks and spoons are not standardised.
That is why Viscgo have produced a bespoke Food Consistency Test Fork designed in consultation with specialist dysphagia chefs. It is the only fork calibrated specifically to test that texture-modified food adheres to the IDDSI Framework, reducing risk and improving the management of dysphagia.
Standardised IDDSI fork drip test for Levels 3 & 4
“Thick drinks and fluid foods (Levels 3 and 4) can be tested by assessing whether they flow through the tines/prongs of a fork and comparing against the detailed descriptions of each level.”1
The gap between the tines of the Viscgo Fork are standardised, ensuring the Fork Drip Tests you perform are objective and consistent.
Built-in IDDSI Level 5 Minced & Moist particle size test
“For adults, the average particle size of chewed solids foods before swallowing measures 2-4 mm (Peyron et al., 2004; Woda et al., 2010). The slots/gaps between the tines/prongs of a standard metal fork typically measure 4 mm, which provides a useful compliance measure for particle size of foods at Level 5 – Minced & Moist.”1
Viscgo were unable to verify that “the slots/gaps between the the tines/prongs of a standard metal fork typically measure 4 mm” so this “useful compliance measure for particle size of foods at Level 5 – Minced & Moist” is built-in to the design of the bespoke Viscgo Fork.
Built-in IDDSI Level 6 Soft & Bite-sized particle size test
“For hard and soft solid foods, a maximum food sample size of 1.5 x 1.5 cm is recommended, which is the approximate size of the adult human thumb nail (Murdan, 2011). The entire width of a standard fork also measures approximately 1.5cm … 1.5 x 1.5 cm particle size is recommended for Level 6 – Soft & Bite-sized to reduce risk associated with asphyxiation from choking on food (Berzlanovich et al., 2005; Bordsky et al., 1996; Litman et al., 2003).”1
Again, Viscgo were unable to verify that “the entire width of a standard fork also measures approximately 1.5cm” so this important dimension is built-in to the design of the Viscgo Fork.
Built-in pressure gauge for accurate IDDSI fork pressure tests
“A fork can be applied to the food sample to observe its behaviour when pressure is applied. Pressure applied to the food sample has been quantified by assessment of the pressure needed to make the thumb nail blanch noticeably to white … The pressure applied to make the thumb nail blanch has been measured at ~ 17 kPa. This pressure is consistent with tongue force used during swallowing (Steele et al., 2014). … For assessment using the Fork Pressure Test, it is recommended that the fork be pressed onto the food sample by placing the thumb onto the bowl of the fork (just above the prongs) until blanching is observed”1
Forks are not standardised, so their resistance to pressure varies. People are not standardised either, so the amount of pressure required to make a thumb blanch is highly subjective. That’s why Viscgo incorporated a standardised pressure gauge into the design of the Viscgo Fork that isn’t dependent on the fork nor the person conducting the test, increasing the accuracy of performing the Fork Pressure Test, reducing risk to people with dysphagia.
IDDSI transitional food texture test
The IDDSI transitional food texture assessment involves applying the fork pressure test to a 1.5cm x 1.5cm food sample. As we already know, the Viscgo Fork incorporates standardised dimensions and a pressure gauge to ensure this assessment can be accurately and objectively performed consistently.
The Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork will be available soon and will cost £16 + vat.