A validation study of nasal spectroscopy: Rhinolux

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Devices
• Physiology

Background:

• Nasal mucosal swelling is a common condition affecting nasal airflow.
• Acoustic rhinometry is a standard method for assessing nasal cavity dimensions.
• The Rhinolux device uses nasal spectroscopy to measure nasal blood volume changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Rhinolux device against acoustic rhinometry for detecting nasal mucosal swelling.
• To assess the correlation between nasal blood volume changes (Rhinolux) and nasal mucosal swelling (acoustic rhinometry) during body position changes.

Main Methods:

• 20 healthy subjects underwent measurements in sitting and supine positions.
• Rhinolux measurements (DeltaE) and acoustic rhinometry (DeltaMCA) were recorded.
• Repeatability was assessed in seven subjects over three days.

Main Results:

• Acoustic rhinometry showed significant nasal mucosal swelling (DeltaMCA, P=0.013) upon changing to supine position.
• Rhinolux measurements (DeltaE) did not show significant changes (P=0.56).
• No significant correlation was found between Rhinolux and acoustic rhinometry measurements (r=0.028, P=0.9).

Conclusions:

• The Rhinolux device's measurement of nasal blood volume changes does not accurately reflect nasal mucosal swelling.
• The current findings suggest the Rhinolux may not be a reliable tool for assessing nasal mucosal reactions in this context.
• Further research is required to determine the clinical utility of the Rhinolux device.