Olfactory screening: validation of Sniffin' Sticks in Denmark.

OBJECTIVES

The Sniffin' Sticks 12-identification test (SIT-12) is the most commonly applied Danish olfaction screening tool; however, it has never been validated in a Danish population. The screening score depends on familiarity with descriptors, which is strongly influenced by linguistic and cultural factors, why validation is mandatory. This study aimed to validate the SIT-12 in a Danish population.

DESIGN

Prospective controlled study.

SETTING

Otorhinolaryngology department.

PARTICIPANTS

The SIT-12 was applied to 100 normosmic, healthy adult Danish participants.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Choice of descriptors was registered, along with nasal endoscopic examination, screening for cognitive impairment, depression and sinonasal symptoms. Descriptors of the original version of SIT-12 were evaluated in 50 participants, and misleading descriptors were identified. Modifications to these descriptors were subsequently validated in a comparable group of 50 participants.

RESULTS

Mean odorant identification score in the evaluation group was 11.0 of a possible 12, and 11.6 in the validation group (P < 0.0001). Among all odorant identification errors in the evaluation group, 60% were due to two incorrect descriptors having close resemblance to the correct descriptors, lemon and cinnamon. Two additional descriptors were unfamiliar to more than half the participants. There was a significant difference in the distribution of wrong identification answers between odorants in the evaluation group (P < 0.001), but not in the validation group.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified systematically wrong descriptors have been modified and validated in the Danish SIT-12.