Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2001 Jan;44(1):52-55.

Use of Natural and Synthetic Odorants in Odor Identification Test

• Yang KH
• Na KS
• Park KY
• Soh SH
• Choi SH
• Park YM

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The odor identification tests use natural and synthetic odorants as stimuli. Synthetic odorants span a smaller qualitative range than natural ones, however, they eliminate the need for preparation, preservation and have improved familiarity owing to the improved development techniques. The aim of this study is whether we can use synthetic odorants in odor identification tests by comparing the results of tests using natural odorants and synthetic ones.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty-two natural and 21 synthetic odorants familiar to Koreans were applied to 40 normals and 20 patients with decreased sense of smell without sinonasal diseases. Percent-correctness shown by the controls and patients smelling natural and synthetic odorants were compared with those patients showing over 95% identifiability and in 11 corresponding natural and synthetic odorants.
RESULTS
Percent-correctness of odor identification test using synthetic odorants was highly correlated with that using natural ones and there was no problem in discriminating patients from the control.
CONCLUSION
Synthetic odorants can be used in odor identification tests for Koreans in a clinical context.

Keyword

Olfaction disorder; Odors

MeSH Terms

Humans
Odors*
Olfaction Disorders
Recognition (Psychology)
Smell