# IDDSI fork drip, spoon tilt, and fork pressure tests

Canonical: [https://followyourswallow.com/tests/fork-spoon](https://followyourswallow.com/tests/fork-spoon)

Run these checks on food at serving temperature.

## Fork drip test

- Slow, continuous dripping through the prongs behaves like Level 3.
- A mound with no continuous dripping behaves like Level 4.
- Fast flow through the prongs is thinner than Level 3.

## Spoon tilt test

- A Level 4 sample holds its shape and slides off in one cohesive spoonful.
- A sticky sample that will not release, or one that leaves more than a thin film, fails.
- A sample that spreads, drips, or runs off is too thin for Level 4.

## Fork pressure and particle-size tests

- For Level 5, the food should separate or mash with light fork pressure. Thumbnail blanching is not required.
- Level 5 adult pieces are no wider than 4 mm and no longer than 15 mm.
- For Level 6, press until the thumbnail holding the fork blanches white. The food should squash completely and not spring back.
- Level 6 adult pieces are no larger than 1.5 cm and should not require a knife.

## Safety

These tests describe the serving. They do not select a level. Use only the food and drink levels prescribed by the person's qualified clinician. Test the actual serving before it is eaten or drunk.

Sources:

- [IDDSI Framework testing methods](https://www.iddsi.org/images/Publications-Resources/DetailedDefnTestMethods/English/V2TestingMethodsEnglish31july2019.pdf)
- [Complete IDDSI Framework detailed definitions](https://www.iddsi.org/images/Publications-Resources/DetailedDefnTestMethods/English/HR/V2DetailedDefnEnglish31july2019.pdf)