Investigating radiation exposure risks in children from swallowing tests
Official title: Excess Radiation Exposure in Infants and Children From Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11027300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how safe the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) is for kids by checking if the radiation used in the test could increase cancer risks, so doctors can make better choices about diagnosing swallowing problems while keeping children safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $385,871 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK122975-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and children who require evaluation for swallowing disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study or those who are not at risk for swallowing disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), a key diagnostic tool for assessing swallowing function in children. The study aims to evaluate the excess cancer risks associated with radiation exposure from VFSS, which is crucial for making informed clinical decisions. By understanding these risks, the research seeks to balance the need for accurate diagnosis with the safety of young patients. The methodology involves analyzing current practices and their implications on patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer diagnostic practices for children undergoing swallowing assessments, minimizing their exposure to harmful radiation.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of VFSS is common, this research addresses a gap in understanding the associated cancer risks, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonilha, Heather Shaw — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Bonilha, Heather Shaw
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.