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A short olfactory test based on the identification of three odors

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Abstract

Numerous psychophysical tests of olfactory function have been developed during the last 30 years. However, although most tests provide accurate results, testing typically requires time which is not available in clinical routine. The aim of the present study was to investigate results from a test based on the identification of three odors only. A total of 500 subjects (patients with olfactory loss plus healthy controls) were included. They received (1) detailed olfactory testing, and (2) the 3-item odor identification test, the so-called q-Sticks. On a group level the q-Sticks clearly separated between anosmic, hyposmic, and normosmic subjects. In addition, q-Sticks scores were significantly higher in women compared to men, and in younger compared to older subjects. With regard to a q-Sticks score of 0, the new test had a very high specificity of 96% and a moderate sensitivity of 66%. Although the q-Sticks must not be seen as a replacement of more extensive and, therefore, more accurate olfactory tests, they allow the investigator to identify anosmia with a very high specificity. Considering the test’s portability, ease of administration, longevity, and possibility to be used over and over again, it can be expected to find its way into the clinician’s routine or screening diagnostic armamentarium.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Monika Roesner for her help with data acquisition. We are also indebted to Johan Lundstrom, Brian Shu, and Jan Vodicka for trying the short test in their environment.

Conflict of interest statement

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School (“Technische Universität Dresden”), Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany

    Thomas Hummel & Ute Pfetzing

  2. pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Jörn Lötsch

Authors
  1. Thomas Hummel
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  2. Ute Pfetzing
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  3. Jörn Lötsch
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Correspondence to Thomas Hummel.

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Hummel, T., Pfetzing, U. & Lötsch, J. A short olfactory test based on the identification of three odors. J Neurol 257, 1316–1321 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-010-5516-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-010-5516-5

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