[Comparison of open essence scent identification test card and conventional olfaction tests]

Japan's medical insurance covers only the intravenous olfaction test, which is invasive and painful, and the T&T olfactometry recognition threshold test, which is not commonly used. The alternative open essence (OE) test recently developed and has shown clinical utility. Using a cross-over technique, we compared the OE test to other olfaction tests, administering it to 122 Japanese subjects diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. Subjects scored olfactory function using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Japan Rhinologic Society Self-Administered Odor Questionnaire (SAOQ). They also took the Japanese standard olfactory test (T&T olfactometry) and intravenous olfactometry (Alinamin test). Statistically significant correlations were seen among scores, the OE, SAOQ, VAS, T&T olfactometry recognition threshold, and Alinamin test, further indicating the OE test's clinical olfactory function evaluation. Menthol should, however, be eliminated from the OE formulation lineup due to its strong carry-over effect.