TABLE 3.

8-POINT PENETRATION-ASPIRATION SCALE

Category	Score	Description	Classification
Normal	1	Contrast does not enter the airway	Normal (no aspiration)
Penetration	2	Contrast enters the supraglottic space, but is then ejected from the airway
	3	Contrast enters the supraglottic space, but is not ejected from the airway	Abnormal (aspiration risk)
	4	Contrast contacts the vocal folds, but is then ejected
	5	Contrast contacts the vocal folds, but is not ejected
Aspiration	6	Contrast passes the glottis but no subglottic residue is visible
	7	Contrast passes the glottis; visible subglottic residue despite patient’s response
	8	Contrast passes the glottis; visible subglottic residue, absent patient’s response