Screening for Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Using Quick Smell Identification Test

To determine the prevalence of OD in the confirmed case with COVID-19 among our population using quick smell identification test (Q-SIT) as screening tool.

Cross- sectional study carried out in Qatif area-Saudi Arabia among adult hospitalized patient with confirm COVID-19 during the period between May and July, 2020. All adults confirmed COVID-19 patients were interviewed for history of current disease and associated symptoms as well as performing Q-SIT. Participants who had history of olfactory dysfunction, and critical cases required ICU admission were excluded.

The prevalence of OD among COVID-19 cases was (16.3%) in our population using Q-SIT compared to (27.4%) for self-reported symptom. Females were having higher prevalence in compare to males (30.5% and 11.1%) respectively; which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The patients reported higher prevalence of ageusia (31.9%) with significant association with OD (P < 0.001). Q-SIT showed high positive and negative predictive value in detecting OD among patients with COVID-19 (84% and 93% respectively).

Q-SIT is a useful, validated and easy to apply tool for screening OD among patients with COVID-19. Some patients presented solely with this symptom which can occurs unnoticed in COVID-19 patients, and there for required objective test for detection.