8-Point Penetration-Aspiration Scale

Question 1

1

Answer 1

material does not enter airway

Question 2

2

Answer 2

material enters the airway, remains above the vocal folds and is ejected from the airway
*flash penetration

Question 3

3

Answer 3

material enters the airway, remains above the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the airway

Question 4

4

Answer 4

material enters the airway, contact the vocal folds, and is ejected from the airway

Question 5

5

Answer 5

material enters the airway, contacts the vocal folds, and is not ejected from the airway
*moves closer to aspiration but still penetration

Question 6

6

Answer 6

material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and is ejected into the larynx or out of the airway
*lightest, mildest aspiration

Question 7

7

Answer 7

material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and is not ejected from trachea despite effort
*or part of it doesn’t come all the way out

Question 8

8

Answer 8

material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, made to eject
*silent aspiration

Question 9

How are multiple swallows rated?

Answer 9

seperately