[A pragmatic assessment of sense of smell]

A new clinical odour test was developed and validated in a clinical trial including 50 healthy volunteers as well as 35 patients suffering from smell disorders. The aromas were incorporated in an inert gas under disclosure from oxygen, avoiding impairment caused by oxidative transformation. Conventional smell test by Elsberg bottles was used as standard. The spray test proved to be equally effective in discriminating subjects suffering from smell disorders as the standard procedure. Moreover the spray test is feasible and long term constance of the substances is guaranteed.