Comparison of two different odorants in an olfactory detection threshold test of the Sniffin’ Sticks

The olfactory test battery Sniffin’ Sticks is a test of nasal chemosensory function that is based on pen-like devices for odour presentation. It consists of three olfactory subtests: threshold, discrimination, and identification. The detection threshold can be measured using two different odorants--n-butanol or PEA (phenylethyl alcohol). Both tasks are commonly applied in published studies, but little is known about the formal comparison of values obtained using them. Unlike the Sniffin’ Sticks with n-butanol as odorant, there is poor validation for the threshold subtest with the odorant PEA. The purpose of this study was to compare these two different odorants. Both odorants were applied to 100 normosmic, healthy subjects (50 females). The experiment was divided into two sessions performed on two different days. After each threshold test the discrimination and identification subtests were conducted. We obtained significant differences in detection thresholds of PEA and n-butanol. The mean score of PEA threshold and PEA TDI (sum of threshold, discrimination, identification) was significantly higher compared to n-butanol. No significant correlation between individual PEA and n-butanol thresholds was observed. The differences between both odorants indicate that a formal validation of the Sniffin’ Sticks with PEA as odorant for probing olfactory thresholds may be required.

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Correlation analyses of detection thresholds of four different odorants

Rhinology Journal ◽

10.4193/rhino10.263 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 49 (3) ◽

pp. 331-336

Author(s):

R. Zernecke ◽

T. Frank ◽

K. Haegler ◽

J. Albrecht ◽

H. Bruckmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Analysis ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Detection Threshold ◽

Detection Thresholds ◽

Phenylethyl Alcohol ◽

Formal Validation ◽

Olfactory Detection ◽

Older Subjects ◽

The Relationship

The detection threshold task of the Sniffin` Sticks can be conducted using two different odorants - n-butanol or phenylethyl alcohol (PEA). Previous studies show contradictory results regarding the correlation analysis of the two odorants. The current study investigated the relationship between PEA and n-butanol with respect to previous findings and subject population. We compared four different odorants (PEA, n-butanol, isoamyl butyrate, isobutanol) in an olfactory detection threshold task depending on subject population. Test odorants were applied to 73 healthy subjects. The experiment was divided into two sessions performed on two different days. The correlation coefficient between individual thresholds of PEA and n-butanol was not significant when exclusively normosmic subjects were included, but significant when additionally hyposmic, older subjects were studied. Comparable results were found for the analysis of the odorants n-butanol and isoamyl butyrate. Correlation between n-butanol and isobutanol was significant, both for exclusively normosmic, and additionally older, hyposmic subjects. The analyses of all other odorants revealed no significant correlations. Results give explanations for previous contradictory findings regarding investigations of PEA and n-butanol in a detection threshold task, and indicate that a formal validation of the Sniffin` Sticks with PEA as odorant is required.

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Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with Minamata Disease

American Journal of Rhinology ◽

10.2500/105065894782537280 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 259-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Shigeru Furuta ◽

Kengo Nishimoto ◽

Masahiko Egawa ◽

Masaru Ohyama ◽

Hiroyuki Moriyama

Keyword(s):

Detection Threshold ◽

Minamata Disease ◽

Threshold Test ◽

Olfactory Identification ◽

Identification Test ◽

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol ◽

Olfactory Detection ◽

The Mean ◽

Identification Function ◽

Smell Identification

We studied the olfactory functions of organic mercury poisoning (Minamata disease) by using both the smell identification test and the olfactory detection threshold test (with phenyl ethyl alcohol). The subjects were 19 patients with Minamata disease who were treated in Meisuien, Minamata, Kumamoto, Japan and include cases that developed the disease in utero. The mean age was 78.7 ± 14.3 years old. Both smell identification and olfactory detection tests in the majority of patients decreased significantly compared with those of healthy elder subjects. A few cases showed normal olfactory identification and detection functions. The olfactory identification function deceased with advancing age. Correlation existed between detection threshold and background factors such as age and duration after documented Minamata disease was found. No significant relationship was identified between olfactory function and the typical symptoms of Minamata disease.

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Olfactory Detection Thresholds Using Pyridine, Thiophene, and Phenethyl Alcohol

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/019459988008800627 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 88 (6) ◽

pp. 778-782 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

James D. Perry ◽

Shelley Frisch ◽

Bruce Jafek ◽

Mary Jafek

Keyword(s):

Healthy Subjects ◽

Older Patients ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Elderly Subjects ◽

Clinical Progression ◽

Detection Thresholds ◽

Phenethyl Alcohol ◽

Olfactory Detection ◽

Olfactory Detection Thresholds ◽

Olfactory Thresholds

An objective examination of olfactory function is needed for evaluation and clinical progression of patients with olfactory deficits. Two hundred sixty-eight healthy subjects were studied in order to establish olfactory thresholds for three test odorants. Subjects were required to simply detect the presence of an odor when comparing various log dilutions of test odorant against two “blank” flasks. These data have provided a means of quantitating existing olfactory deficits in affected patients. Olfactory function was found to be diminished in elderly subjects and should be considered a factor when evaluating older patients.

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Olfactory Loss after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: A Report of Two Cases with Review of the Literature

Case Reports in Otolaryngology ◽

10.1155/2014/546317 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Rong-San Jiang ◽

Yi-Hao Chang

Keyword(s):

Sleep Apnea Syndrome ◽

Detection Threshold ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Zinc Salt ◽

University Of Pennsylvania ◽

Threshold Test ◽

Olfactory Loss ◽

Olfactory Test ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has been a popular surgical method for treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome since it was introduced in the early 1980s. Olfactory loss has been reported as a rare side effect in several cases. However, the olfactory test results and the prognosis were not mentioned in these cases. We present two patients who complained of loss of olfactory function after UPPP. Their olfactory function was evaluated by the phenyl ethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. After treatment with steroid and zinc salt, their olfactory function was improved but not recovered completely.

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What is the short term effect of perfumes on olfactory thresholds?

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215107007840 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 121 (8) ◽

pp. 755-758 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A M Robinson ◽

J A Gaskin ◽

C M Philpott ◽

P C Goodenough ◽

M Elloy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Volunteers ◽

Term Effect ◽

Olfactory Threshold ◽

Short Term ◽

Phenylethyl Alcohol ◽

Olfactory Testing ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Olfactory Detection ◽

Threshold Testing ◽

Olfactory Thresholds

AbstractObjectives:Body sprays and perfumes are commonly worn by patients attending ENT out-patients clinics. Their effect on performance in olfactory testing is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether olfactory thresholds are altered by the presence of such fragrances.Materials and methods:One hundred and sixty healthy volunteers, aged 18 to 65 years, underwent olfactory thresholds testing. Each was then exposed to one of four strong perfumes, applied in a facemask for two minutes, and the thresholds were retested.Results and analysis:All olfactory thresholds worsened after being exposed to the strong perfumes of LynxTM and ImpulseTM body sprays, with the strongest effect being on olfactory detection of phenylethyl alcohol (p<0.001).Conclusions:Strong perfumes can have a negative effect on olfactory thresholds.Significance:Patients attending olfactory threshold testing need to be advised not to wear body sprays or perfumes.

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Clinical validation of the olfactory detection threshold module of the Snap & Sniff® olfactory test system

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology ◽

10.1002/alr.22377 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 986-992 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Richard L. Doty ◽

Crystal Wylie ◽

Mark Potter ◽

Rachel Beston ◽

Brooke Cope ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Detection Threshold ◽

Test System ◽

Clinical Validation ◽

Olfactory Test ◽

Olfactory Detection

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The Pyridine Scale for Clinical Measurement of Olfactory Threshold: A Quantitative Reevaluation

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/019459987908700604 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 87 (6) ◽

pp. 717-733 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Allen H. Sherman ◽

John E. Amoore ◽

Vivian Weigel

Keyword(s):

Normal Subjects ◽

Clinical Applications ◽

Olfactory Threshold ◽

Detection Thresholds ◽

Clinical Measurement ◽

Threshold Test ◽

Olfactory Detection ◽

Olfactory Detection Thresholds ◽

Precision And Accuracy ◽

Existing Data

Serial dilutions of pyridine in water are employed for measuring the olfactory detection thresholds of patients. Experimental precautions are described that improve the precision and accuracy of the method. Existing data on the sensitivities of hyposmic patients are confirmed, but the sensitivities of normal subjects and of hyperosmic patients are believed to have been substantially overestimated in some earlier publications. Routine clinical applications of the revised pyridine odor threshold test are discussed. In the authors' experience, the average cystic fibrosis patient is slightly hyposmic, and some cases of pituitary tumor are accompanied by a 100,000-fold hyperosmia.

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Nasal functional modifications after physical exercise: olfactory threshold and peak nasal inspiratory flow

Rhinology Journal ◽

10.4193/rhino09.141 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 277-280

Author(s):

G. Marioni ◽

G. Ottaviano ◽

A. Staffieri ◽

M. Zaccaria ◽

V.J. Lund ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Exercise ◽

Inspiratory Flow ◽

Nasal Patency ◽

Olfactory Threshold ◽

Threshold Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

The Stability ◽

Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow ◽

Olfactory Thresholds

Statement of problem: The respiratory nasal effects of physical exercise have been extensively investigated; on the other hand there are no data regarding olfactory threshold modification after aerobic physical exercise. Methods: The present prospective study investigated the modifications in nasal respiratory flows and olfactory thresholds after controlled aerobic physical exercise in a cohort of 15 adult, healthy volunteers. The Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), and the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory threshold test were used for our determinations. Main results: The mean PNIF after physical exercise was significantly higher than the mean PNIF value found before physical exercise. Statistical analysis ruled out any significant difference between mean olfactory thresholds pre vs post physical exercise. Principal conclusions: These outcomes confirmed PNIF sensitivity and reliability also in determining the changes in nasal patency occurring after physical exercise. The active vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa associated with the reduction of blood flow to the olfactory epithelium due to physical exercise may be compensated for by the increase of olfactory molecules that reach the olfactory mucosa because of nasal mucosal shrinkage: this mechanism could explain the stability of mean olfactory threshold after physical exercise.

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A Pilot Study of the Snap & Sniff Threshold Test

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/0003489418760055 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 127 (5) ◽

pp. 312-316

Author(s):

Rong-San Jiang ◽

Kai-Li Liang

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Olfactory Threshold ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Threshold Test ◽

Patient Groups ◽

The Mean ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Olfactory Thresholds

Objectives: The Snap & Sniff® Threshold Test (S&S) has been recently developed to determine the olfactory threshold. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the validity and test–retest reliability of the S&S. Methods: The olfactory thresholds of 120 participants were determined using both the Smell Threshold Test (STT) and the S&S. The participants included 30 normosmic volunteers and 90 patients (60 hyposmic, 30 anosmic). The normosmic participants were retested using the STT and S&S at an intertest interval of at least 1 day. Results: The mean olfactory threshold determined with the S&S was −6.76 for the normosmic participants, −3.79 for the hyposmic patients, and −2 for the anosmic patients. The olfactory thresholds were significantly different across the 3 groups ( P < .001). Snap & Sniff–based and STT-based olfactory thresholds were correlated weakly in the normosmic group (correlation coefficient = 0.162, P = .391) but more strongly correlated in the patient groups (hyposmic: correlation coefficient = 0.376, P = .003; anosmic: correlation coefficient = 1.0). The test–retest correlation for the S&S-based olfactory thresholds was 0.384 ( P = .036). Conclusion: Based on validity and test–retest reliability, we concluded that the S&S is a proper test for olfactory thresholds.

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