title: A self-administered test of taste function using "Taste Strips".
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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Axel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Laszlo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Varga
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wittibschlager
authors.affiliation: Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: Bertold
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mueller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012646:Self Administration; D013649:Taste; D055697:Taste Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: function; gustatory; procedure; score; self-administered; strip; taste