A self-administered test of taste function using "Taste Strips"

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Axel Wolf - , Medical University of Graz (Author)
  • Laszlo Varga - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Lisa Wittibschlager - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Bertold Renner - , Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Christian A. Mueller - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)

Abstract

Background: Assessment of gustatory function with impregnated taste strips is an established and validated method. In clinical routine, application of the tests is often limited due to lack of time or costs associated with administering the test. The aim of the study was to develop a procedure suitable for self-administration of the "Taste Strips" test. Methods: The investigated participants (n = 65; 22 males, 43 females; mean age 36.7 ± 19.2 years; range, 20 to 83 years) were tested twice in a randomized crossover procedure. On 1 occasion, an examiner administered the established and validated "Taste Strips" test. On another occasion, test subjects administered the taste strips themselves. Results of both test methods were compared. Results: The mean score (± standard deviation [SD]) of the assisted taste test (11.6 ± 2.6) was significantly lower compared to the mean self-administered taste test that yielded 12.3 ± 2.6 points (Wilcoxon test: z = 2.836; p < 0.01). Comparison of mean values showed minimal difference of the tested procedures of 0.7 ± 1.9 points with a significant positive correlation of test results (r65 = 0.734; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Although a small difference between test results was observed, the new test procedure seems to be an adequate screening tool for assessment of taste function with less personnel effort, leading to improved management of patients with chemosensory disorders.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)362-366
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Forum of Allergy and Rhinology
Volume6
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 26633243
ORCID /0000-0003-0845-6793/work/139025205

Keywords

Keywords

  • Function, Gustatory, Procedure, Score, Self-administered, Strip, Taste