Fast Screening of Olfactory Function Using the Q-Sticks Test

Objectives: Classical, longer olfactory tests are associated with difficulties in everyday practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of the Q-Sticks test within the context of a multicenter study. Methods: A total of 333 subjects, aged between 12 and 88 years, completed a 3-item Q-Sticks test and a longer Sniffin' Sticks identification test. We analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of the test results for different cutoffs for anosmia and hyposmia. Results: Our study showed that the test can be used on subjects aged 12 years and older, regardless of their sex. The data indicated a test sensitivity and specificity of 91.8 and 92%, respectively, with a score of 2 taken as a cutoff for olfactory dysfunction. Conversely, normal olfactory function can be declared with high probability with a score of 3 in the Q-Sticks test. Conclusion: We reconfirmed that the Q-Sticks test is a good screening tool for everyday medical practice and in laboratory settings, although it has to be kept in mind that the test can produce false-negative results at a score of 3. The test was relatively sensitive to anosmia and differences between normosmic and hyposmic/anosmic patients.