Abstract
The assessment of dysphagia occurs along a continuum from screening to instrumental evaluation. What is considered a screening varies widely from a specific procedure to a more comprehensive approach. Each of the specific procedures (eg, water swallow test, pulse oximetry, cervical auscultation) lacks data to confirm validity. The clinical/bedside examination and instrumental examinations like the videofluoroscopic examination and endoscopic examination yield useful information for management of patients with dysphagia. Each of these has limitations and advantages. The speech-language pathologist must determine which of the types of assessment are needed for particular patients and must critically evaluate the evidence base for each.