[Assessing olfaction in general practice. A study of suitable odors]

We tested 15 substances, some of which have not so far been used for olfactometry, on a group of 200 normal adults and on 50 patients with impairment of olfaction. In the first stage the test substances were offered on strips of blotting paper. With this qualitative procedure 6 substances were found to be typical and well recognized. In a second stage these substances were tested quantitatively using the Elsberg olfactometer. This series revealed four groups with gradually differing olfactive activity. From each group one substance was accepted for definitive testing. These were: peppermint oil (strongest olfactory stimulus), benzaldehyde, orange oil and eugenol (weakest stimulus). Using this olfactory scale in the blotting paper test a rough quantitative screening of the degree of olfaction impairment should be possible, without recourse to expensive olfactometry.