In a smell test we test your sense of smell. In the UMC Utrecht we use the sniffin' sticks smell test. This is an identification test in which we let you smell odor sticks filled with a substance that smells strongly.
Preparation expand, click to open
- One hour before the examination, you must not eat chewing gum, peppermint or soursop.
- One hour before the examination, you may not smoke.
- You may not eat or drink anything fifteen minutes before the examination. Drinking water is allowed.
During the examination expand, click to open
An outpatient assistant will administer the test to you at the ENT outpatient clinic. She will have you smell a total of twelve fragrance sticks. You will be given four possible answers per stick. You must choose one of these answers.
Duration of the examination
The examination takes about five to ten minutes.
Possible complications
All the substances we use in the scent sticks are not toxic or harmful in the concentrations used.
concentration. Therefore, no complications are to be expected.
After the examination expand, click to open
You do not need to recover from the examination and can go home afterwards without any problems.
The outpatient assistant processes the results. She will pass these results on to your treating ENT doctor. Your ENT specialist will discuss the results with you during your next visit.