Smell Test: What is a smell identification test?

A smell test is a standardized method used to evaluate how well a person can recognize and identify different odors. One of the most common types is a smell identification test, where a subject is asked to identify specific scents from a set of options.

Smell tests are widely used in clinical practice, research, and occupational health to assess the sense of smell (olfaction). They provide valuable insight into whether someone has a normal sense of smell or a reduced ability to detect and recognize odors.

What types of smell identification tests are available?

A smell identification test is a specific type of smell test in which different odors must be recognized and named by the test subject. Typically, a scent is presented using a smell pen or a scratch-and-sniff format, after which the participant selects the correct answer from multiple options.

We offer a range of smell identification tests from two major manufacturers:
Burghart Messtechnik (Germany) – ODOFIN Sniffin’ Sticks
Sensonics International (USA) – Sensonics Scratch-and-sniff booklets

All of our smell tests use a forced choice method, meaning the participant must always choose an answer, even if unsure. This ensures consistent and measurable results across different users and test situations.

Below is an overview of the available identification tests:

Burghart ODOFIN Identification Tests

The Sniffin’ Sticks are among the most widely used smell test systems worldwide. These pen-based smell tests are easy to use, hygienic, and highly reproducible.

Available smell tests include:

• Screening 12 Test: Identification of 12 different common odors (basic smell test)
• U-Sniff Test: Identification of 12 odors designed specifically for children
• Identification 16 Test – Blue version: Identification of 16 different odors
• Identification 16 Test – Purple version: Identification of another set of 16 different odors

The reason there are two versions of the Sniffin’ Sticks Identification 16 Test (a blue and a purple version) is to make it possible to perform a repeat test without the test subject recognizing the same scents from the previous time. This prevents so-called learning effects (or memory effects), where someone does not recognize the scent, but still knows which answer was correct before. The odors and the answer options differ between the two versions.

Sensonics Identification Tests

Sensonics offers a range of internationally recognized smell tests, including:

• UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test): Identification of 40 odors (available in multiple languages)
• B-SIT (Brief Smell Identification Test): Identification of 12 odors (available in multiple languages)
• NHANES Pocket Smell Test: Identification of 8 odors (available only in English)
• Pocket Smell Test: Identification of 4 odors or 3 odors (very basic smell test, available only in English)
• Quick Smell Identification Test: Extremely simple test using 3 odors (available only in English)

What does a smell test measure?

A smell test helps determine whether someone has:

• Normal smell function (normosmia)
• Reduced smell (hyposmia)
• Complete smell loss (anosmia)

By analyzing the score of a smell test, healthcare professionals can decide whether further diagnostic evaluation is needed.

Would you like to conduct more comprehensive testing with smell pens? Then you can use the ODOFIN Sniffin’ Sticks extended test, which includes three components:

• Identification test
• Discrimination test
• Threshold test

This extended test allows for a more detailed assessment, including the detection of anosmia (complete loss of smell).

The UPSIT test from Sensonics is the most detailed identification-only test we offer. It includes 40 odors and provides a reliable measure of smell loss, distinguishing between anosmia, and mild, moderate, or severe microsmia.

Normative Data

The manuals for both the ODOFIN Sniffin’ Sticks and the Sensonics UPSIT/BSIT include normative data graphs. These allow the test scores to be interpreted based on age- and gender-specific percentiles.

Using a professional smell test ensures accuracy, consistency, and reliable results. Compared to informal smell checks, standardized smell tests offer:

• Controlled odor intensity
• Reproducible results
• Scientifically validated methods

This makes them suitable for both clinical and professional use.

Smell Test vs. Smell Training

A smell test is used to measure and evaluate the sense of smell, while a smell training kit is designed to improve it over time. These approaches complement each other.

If you want to better understand how olfactory testing works in detail, we recommend reading our guide on olfactory test.

Order Your Smell Test

You can easily order your smell test directly via our webshop. Prefer to order by email? Send your request to info@medi-sense.nl and we will process your order promptly.

If you have any questions or would like advice on the most suitable smell test for your application, feel free to use our contact form. We are happy to assist you.

For business customers, we offer the option to order on account. We provide fast and reliable worldwide shipping, ensuring that your order reaches you wherever you are located.