Validation of a self‐administered olfactory and gustatory test for the remotely evaluation of COVID‐19 patients in home quarantine. Issue 7 (9th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vaira, Luigi Angelo; Salzano, Giovanni; Petrocelli, Marzia; Deiana, Giovanna; Salzano, Francesco Antonio; De Riu, Giacomo
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 42:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1570
• Page End: 1576
• Publication Date: 2020-05-09
• Subjects: ageusia -- anosmia -- COVID‐19 -- gustatory function -- olfactory function; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Chemosensitive disorders are very frequent in the early stages of COVID‐19 and in paucisymptomatic cases. These patients are typically placed in home quarantine. This study has the aim of validating a new olfactory and gustatory objective evaluation test in these patients. Methods: Thirty‐three home‐quarantined COVID‐19 patients have undergone a self‐administered chemosensitive test the day before the control swab. On this occasion, the patients underwent operator‐administered already validated tests. The results were finally compared. Results: The differences between the results of the two tests were not significant for both the olfaction ( P =.201) and the taste ( P =.180). Conclusion: The olfactory and gustatory evaluation by self‐administered test can be considered a valid tool, fundamental for obtaining objective qualitative and quantitative data on the extent of chemosensitive disorders in home‐quarantined COVID‐19 patients.