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A self‐administered test of taste function using “Taste Strips”
Author(s) -
Wolf Axel,
Varga Laszlo,
Wittibschlager Lisa,
Renner Bertold,
Mueller Christian A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international forum of allergy and rhinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.503
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 2042-6984
pISSN - 2042-6976
DOI - 10.1002/alr.21681
Subject(s) - taste , medicine , crossover study , wilcoxon signed rank test , test (biology) , significant difference , mean difference , mann–whitney u test , confidence interval , food science , pathology , alternative medicine , paleontology , chemistry , biology , placebo
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 ( r 65 = 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.