Table 2. Diagnostic tests and their characteristics.

NICU: neonatal intensive care unit.

Test	Advantage	Disadvantage
Video-fluoroscopic swallow study (VSS)	Assess anatomy, bolus movement detection during swallowing, and laryngeal aspiration detection	Requires transport of neonate, uses barium, radiation use, nonuniformity in testing methods and interpretations. Cost and availability limitations
Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)	Assess anatomy, movements of structures, and dynamic swallowing. Can be carried out bedside in NICU. Therapeutic in guiding individual feeding plan	Cost and availability limitations. Operator expertise required
Pharyngoesophageal manometry	Pharyngeal swallowing pressures and esophageal body peristalsis at rest and on provocation. A better predictor of feeding outcomes as compared to VSS	Less commonly available. Clinical correlation needed