Olfactory Test Compositions Using Odorant Ensembles and Triangle Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smell tests are unreliable due to sensitivity variations among individuals and the influence of prior olfactory experiences, leading to misdiagnosis and difficulty in accurately assessing olfactory function.
Innovation Solution
Development of compositions and methods using distinct ensembles of odorants in various dilutions for assessing olfactory sensitivity and resolution, employing triangle tests to quantify and score these abilities, and providing kits for self-administered tests that minimize cultural and semantic biases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If monomolecular odorants are used in smell tests, then the test can be simple to administer, but sensitivity variations among individuals lead to unreliable results and misdiagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the odor stimulus into multiple distinct odorants presented separately rather than as a single monomolecular odorant. Each odorant is administered individually in a series of presentations, allowing the system to assess overall olfactory function while compensating for individual variations in sensitivity to any single odorant type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by presenting multiple different odorants (including monomolecular and polymeric odorants) in a standardized sequence. This composite stimulus set provides a more comprehensive and reliable assessment of olfactory function compared to using a single odorant type, as it accounts for variations in individual sensitivity across different odorant classes.
2Measurement precision
If odor identification tests are used to assess olfactory function, then cultural and prior olfactory experiences influence the results, but this makes the tests unreliable across diverse populations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the semantic identification component from traditional smell tests. Instead of asking patients to identify what they smell (which requires cultural knowledge and language), the test presents multiple odorants and asks patients to indicate which ones they detect, eliminating the influence of prior olfactory experiences and cultural background while maintaining precise measurement of olfactory function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach to smell testing. Rather than presenting a single odor and asking for identification (top-down approach requiring semantic knowledge), it presents multiple odors and asks which ones are detected (bottom-up approach relying on pure sensory detection), thereby eliminating cultural and linguistic biases.
3Productivity
If self-reporting is used to diagnose olfactory dysfunction, then the method is simple and quick, but self-reporting is notoriously unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-administration of the olfactory test while maintaining reliability. Patients independently present the test odorants and record which ones they detect without requiring clinician intervention during the actual testing process. This self-service approach maintains speed and simplicity while the standardized multiple-odorant protocol ensures reliable objective results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates immediate feedback mechanisms where patients record their detection responses for each odorant presentation, and the system provides structured guidance through the testing sequence. This structured feedback loop ensures accurate data collection while maintaining the efficiency of self-administration, producing reliable diagnostic results.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring olfactory sensitivity, olfactory resolution, and combinations thereof. Such measurements can be made during a single test, or over consecutive tests, which may be performed during a single testing period, such as in a single day, or over a series of testing periods. The tests may be performed by a health care professional, or may be conveniently self-administered by the user.