University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test: a rapid quantitative olfactory function test for the clinic

Abstract

Despite the fact that clinical otolaryngologists are often presented with complaints of olfactory dysfunction, they have limited means to diagnose these problems. A major reason has been the lack of a clinically-useful and reliable quantitative test of olfactory function. Recent work at our Clinical Research Center has resulted in the development of such a test. This test--the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)--can be self-administered and uses microencapsulated odorants which are released by scratching standardized odor-impregnated test booklets. As indicated in this paper, studies have demonstrated that the UPSIT can identify most malingerers and is sensitive to age, gender, smoking habits, and a wide variety of olfactory disorders. A description of this new test, along with some of its applications, is presented.