The startup has developed a viscosity testing device that utilizes shear mixing to create smooth fluids for individuals with dysphagia. This technology enables healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and care homes, to accurately measure and modify the thickness of drinks and textured foods, improving patient safety and nutrition management.
Funding
$620K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Individuals with dysphagia require careful management of food and drink consistencies to prevent aspiration and ensure safe swallowing. Current methods for testing and modifying the thickness of food and drinks can be subjective and inconsistent, leading to potential risks in patient care.
Solution
Viscgo Limited provides a range of testing devices designed to accurately measure and modify the consistency of drinks and textured foods for individuals with dysphagia, ensuring adherence to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. Their product line includes the Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork, calibrated to test texture-modified food, and the Viscgo Drink Thickness Test Sticks, which are color-coded to match IDDSI levels for testing xanthan gum-based thickened drinks. These tools help reduce subjectivity in food and drink preparation, increasing accuracy and reducing risk for patients with swallowing difficulties.
Target Audience
The primary customers are healthcare facilities such as hospitals and care homes, speech and language therapists/pathologists, and individuals caring for people with dysphagia.
Features
- Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork: Features standardized dimensions and a built-in pressure gauge to accurately perform the IDDSI fork pressure test.
- Viscgo Drink Thickness Test Sticks: Color-coded and numbered to match IDDSI levels, ensuring accurate drink thickness testing with xanthan gum-based thickeners.
- Viscgo Dysphagia Pack: Includes the Food Consistency Test Fork, Drink Thickness Test Sticks, Measuring and Testing Cup, Thickened Drink Stirrer, CTAR Ball, IDDSI Funnel, and Dysphagia Awareness Training.
- Viscgo Measuring and Testing Cup: Designed with a flat bottom and specific dimensions to improve the efficacy of the Viscgo Sticks.
- CTAR Ball: Used for Chin Tuck Against Resistance exercises to improve swallowing function.
- IDDSI Funnel: Designed to perform the IDDSI flow test, with drink thickness levels marked on the barrel.
- Dysphagia Awareness Training: Commensurate with Level 1 of the Eating Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework (EDSCF).