Correspondence Between Three Olfactory Tests and Suprathreshold Odor Intensity Ratings

Objectives —The capability of three olfactory tests (European Test of Olfactory Capabilities, Sniffin’ Sticks and Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test) to similarly classify subjects as normosmics, hyposmics and anosmics as well as the relation between test performance and suprathreshold ortho- and retronasal odor intensity ratings were examined. Material and Methods —A total of 48 subjects (age range 15–84 years; mean age 49.5 years) completed the 3 olfactory tests, rated aqueous solutions of vanilla (0–0.31%) and lemon aroma (0–0.17%) for odor and flavor intensity and filled in a background questionnaire. Ten subjects had case histories indicating anosmia, with the remainder having subjectively normal olfaction. Results —The test results were highly correlated and differentiated anosmic, hyposmic and normosmic subjects. At an individual level, some discrepancy was seen in the olfactory diagnoses given by the three tests. In principal component analysis, olfactory measurements were loaded on three co...