Table 2.

Penetration-aspiration scale.

Category	Score	Descriptions
No penetration or aspiration	1	Contrast does not enter the airway
Penetration	2	Contrast enters the airway and remains above vocal folds; no residue
	3	Contrast remains above vocal folds; visible residue remains
	4	Contrast contacts vocal folds; no residue
	5	Contrast contacts vocal folds; visible residue remains
Aspiration	6	Contrast passes glottis; no subglottic residue visible
	7	Contrast passes glottis; visible subglottic residue despite patient's response
	8	Contrast passes glottis; visible subglottic residue; absent patient response