7 Tools Every Aged Care Facility Should Have for IDDSI Testing

Ensuring safe swallowing in aged care relies on having the right tools readily available and used correctly. IDDSI testing provides a standardised way to assess food and fluid consistency, helping reduce the risk of choking and aspiration. By equipping staff with the appropriate tools, facilities can support more consistent, accurate testing and safer mealtime practices across all shifts.

1. IDDSI Audit Tools (Printed)
   Provide a standardised reference to guide testing and support consistency across staff.

2. Metal Dinner Fork (4 mm prongs)
   Used to assess food texture through fork drip, fork pressure, and fork separation tests.

3. Metal Teaspoon
   Used for the spoon tilt test.

4. IDDSI Funnel or 10 mL Slip-Tip Syringe (BD 302143)
   Used for the IDDSI Flow Test to determine fluid levels (Level 0–3).

5. Stopwatch / Timer (10 seconds)
   Ensures accurate timing during the flow test for reliable results.

6. Measuring Jug (with clear volume markings)
   Supports accurate preparation and consistency when mixing and testing fluids.

7. Gloves & Hygiene Supplies
   Maintain safe and hygienic handling of food and fluids during preparation and testing.

If your facility does not currently have the tools listed above, it is important to review this with your manager or team leader. Having the right equipment supports accurate IDDSI testing, improves consistency across staff, and plays a key role in reducing the risk of choking and aspiration. Ensuring these tools are readily available is a simple but important step toward safer mealtimes.

About the Author

Vanessa Chan is a Speech Pathologist and the founder of Swallowing & Dysphagia Support. She supports aged care and disability teams to improve mealtime safety through dysphagia and IDDSI training. Vanessa is also the Chair of the Australian IDDSI Reference Group (AUIRG), working to promote consistent and safe swallowing practices across Australia.