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Updated: May 29, 2026
06:40
Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice
Published on: June 15, 2015
OLAF: standardization of international olfactory tests.
C Hummel1, G M Zucco, E Iannilli
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
Summary
The Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test now has a free computer program called OLAF. This software helps standardize and simplify smell testing for researchers and clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- The Sniffin' Sticks test is a widely adopted tool for assessing olfactory function.
- Traditional documentation methods for the Sniffin' Sticks test were paper-based.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the OLAF software, a computer-based application for the Sniffin' Sticks test.
- To enhance the efficiency and standardization of olfactory testing.
Main Methods:
- Development of the OLAF software using Filemaker.
- Implementation of features for user-defined test arrangements, data storage, and results printing.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Apple) and multilingual support (English, French, German, Italian).
Main Results:
- The OLAF software provides a user-friendly interface for administering the Sniffin' Sticks test.
- Data management and reporting are streamlined through the database functionality.
- The software is available as a royalty-free download.
Conclusions:
- The OLAF software is expected to significantly improve and standardize the administration of the Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test.
- This digital tool facilitates clinical and research applications of olfactory assessment.
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