Design and performance of a laboratory of olfactory test. Application of a new evaluation system

Background: To study and evaluate the factors that may influence on human olfactory sensibility to pyridine, we designed a specific laboratory with a new olfactory test to perform accurate measurements. Methods: We have chosen pyridine as the test substance in our laboratory, for its frequent use of it in other studies. The special conditions of our laboratory are designed to allow individuals to access to this substance, controlling the different factors and parameters. With this purpose, we have validated the test and we have settled the reference threshold values with the score of thirty voluntary healthy patients between 20 and 40 years of age. Results: We have used four different concentrations of pyridine to study the different factors of olfactory sensibility. 95% of cases detected the highest pyridine concentration and the remaining concentrations allowed us to know the olfactory sensibility of the studied population and the inferior thresholds. Conclusions: We have designed, performed and endorsed a laboratory for the study of olfaction. We have determined the sensibility of the studied population to different concentrations of pyridine that can be considered as a reference for further studies.