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[Screening of olfaction with smell diskettes].
1Klinik für Otorhinolaryngologie, Hals- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|May 5, 1999
Summary
A new olfactory screening test using reusable diskettes reliably identifies individuals with a normal sense of smell. This innovative test effectively distinguishes between normal olfaction and conditions like hyposmia or anosmia.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Development of novel diagnostic tools for olfactory dysfunction.
- Need for efficient and reliable screening methods for smell disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new olfactory screening test utilizing reusable diskettes.
- To assess the reliability and user preference of the developed test compared to an established method.
Main Methods:
- A novel olfactory screening test was designed using 8 odorant-impregnated diskettes.
- The test employed a triple forced-choice questionnaire, yielding a score from 0-8.
- Validation involved 91 volunteers with normal olfaction and 13 patients with hyposmia/anosmia, alongside the Sniffin' Sticks test.
Main Results:
- The smell disk test demonstrated high accuracy, with 99.74% probability of normal olfaction for scores of 7-8.
- Patients with hyposmia/anosmia scored significantly lower (0-5) compared to controls (7-8).
- The smell disk test was preferred by 86% of participants over the Sniffin' Sticks test.
Conclusions:
- The developed smell disk test is a reliable tool for identifying normal olfaction and differentiating it from hyposmia/anosmia.
- Reusable diskettes serve as effective and user-friendly odorant applicators in clinical settings.
- The test offers a practical and preferred alternative for olfactory screening.