title: The influence of distractors on odor identification.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the impact of the use of more contrasted distractors on correct odor identification in patients with olfactory loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, cross-over study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with olfactory deficits.
  
  
  METHODS
  The olfactory function of the patients was evaluated by means of the "Sniffin' Sticks" test battery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The distractors of the Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test (classic test) were modified, and more contrasted distractors were used (contrasted test), while the applied odorants were the same. All patients performed both the classic and the contrasted odor identification tests in a randomized sequence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen patients were hyposmic, and 12 were functionally anosmic. Odor identification was significantly better in the hyposmic patients than in the anosmic patients (P < .01). As predicted, hyposmic patients demonstrated a significant increase in correct odor identification in the contrasted test, while anosmic patients did not.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of more contrasted distractors in cued odor identification tasks can contribute to better discrimination of anosmic and hyposmic patients, which is highly valuable in a clinical context.
authors.affiliation: Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gudziol
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hummel
mesh_terms: D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*