Available smell tests – Explanation

10-05-2021

Administering smell tests (olfactory test) is receiving more and more attention. You can perform a smell test with the help of our smell tests. Various smell tests are available but which one is right for you? On this page we explain the various Sniffin’ Sticks smell tests from Burghart and also the scratch-and-sniff smell tests from Sensonics.

Burghart Sniffin’ Sticks (ODOFIN)

Burghart smell tests consist of the so-called Sniffin’ Sticks. These are a kind of felt-tip pens that are filled with a fragrance liquid instead of ink. The Burghart scent tests are CE certified and validated. The Sniffin’ Sticks are widely used in Europe (and beyond) and are therefore mentioned in hundreds of scientific publications. Examples of the Sniffin’ Sticks are the Screening 12 Test, Identification Test and the Extended Test. The new name of the Burghart Sniffin’ Sticks is ODOFIN.

Burghart’s smell tests are reusable for an unlimited number of people before the expiry date. Each stick is provided with a printed expiration date. In the following video we explain the different Sniffin’ Sticks smell tests:

Sensonics smell tests

We also supply the scratch-and-sniff smell tests from Sensonics. The Sensonics tests are booklets containing fragrances that are released by rubbing / scratching the smell boxes. These booklets are for single use and are extremely useful for remote odor tests because you can easily send them by post. These odor tests are also widely used all over the world and CE certified. Examples of the Sensonics smell tests are, for example, the well-known UPSIT smell test, pocket smell test and the Brief Smell Identification Test.

In the following video we explain the UPSIT smell test:

Basic smell tests

First, it is important to determine exactly what you want to test. Is it just a simple screening of the sense of smell? If so, you can use the Sniffin’ Sticks Screening 12 Test (12 different odors) or the Identification 16 test (16 different odors). In both tests, the patient must identify the smells. A simple screening of the sense of smell. The Screening 12 Test is the simplest test and also the most used test.

Do you want to test the olfactory function of children? In that case we have a children smell test (U-Sniff) with 12 Sniffin’ Sticks.

If you want to use the Sensonics smell test booklets, we recommend the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) for a simple screening with 12 odors, which is available in multiple languages. Or the pocket smell test with 4 odors or 8 odors.

Extensive smell test

If you want to test more extensively, we recommend the complete test, the so-called Sniffin’ Sticks extended test. In addition to the identification 16 test, this test also contains the discrimination test and the threshold value test. During the discrimination test, the patient is presented with three fragrance pens, 1 of which has a different odor. It is the task of the patient to determine this abnormal odor. In total, the discrimination test contains 16 x 3 pin (48) sticks. Finally, the threshold test, which allows you to determine to what extent a patient can smell. The odor intensity decreases one step at a time, the patient decreases one concentration step each time, until the patient no longer perceives the odor. This allows you to determine to what strength the patient can smell. In total, the threshold test contains 16 x 3 pin (48) sticks. The threshold value test, it is available in 2 versions. The difference between the 2 versions is the smell of the target stick. The 2-phenylethanol version has a rose scent and the extended test n-butanol version has an alcoholic scent. So the n-butanol version is more unpleasant to smell. That is the only difference.

The tests included in the extended test can of course also be ordered separately. These are the blue identification test, discrimination test and the threshold value test (n-butanol or 2-phenylethanol).

Would you like to perform an extensive test with the Sensonics smell test booklets? Then you can use the worldwide known UPSIT smell test with 40 items. This smell test is also known as the University of Pennsylvania Identification Test and is available in multiple languages.

Shelf life (expiration date) Sniffin’ Sticks smell tests

The shelf life of the ODOFIN Sniffin’ Sticks depends on which test you are going to use. Each stick is provided with an expiration date. You can use the Sniffin’ Sticks for an unlimited number of people before this date. The screening 12 test, identification test, discrimination test have a shelf life of approximately 1.5 years. For the threshold test this depends on which version you need; the 2-phenylethanol version has an expiration date of approx. 1.5 years, the n-butanol has a shorter expiration date of approx. 8-10 months. If you want to know the actual expiration date of the sets we have on stock than please send us an e-mail and we can tell you the exact date.

Shelf life (expiration date) Sensonics smell tests

A shorter shelf life applies to the Sensonics smell tests, approx. 6 months after production date. The Sensonics smell tests are for single use only.

Optional: taste tests

Optionally you can use taste strips from Burghart or Sensonics.

There are multiple taste strips available such as a simple test with 4 flavors in the highest concentration. The patient simply has to determine whether it is sour, salty, sweet or bitter. There is also an extensive taste test where the 4 flavours are offered in 4 different concentrations to determine how well a patient can taste. This complete test can be extended with the 5th flavor Umami. The taste strips usually have a shelf life of about 1 year.

Ordering smell and taste tests

Through us you are assured of good service and years of experience in the field of smell and taste tests. You can order the tests through our webshop, but of course we also accept orders on account. Contact us for a quote or more information. We are glad to help you further.