Validation of the local applicability of the ‘TIB’ Olfactory Test Device in the era of COVID-19

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the validity and test–retest reliability of the novel ‘TIB’ Olfactory Test Device (TIB) and to determine its normative values. Methods The study stratified the study subjects into normosmic, hyposmic and anosmic groups according to their olfactory function. The olfactory function of the subjects was evaluated using both the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania of Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC) and the TIB. The normosmic group was used to retest with the UPSIT-TC and TIB at an inter-test interval of at least 7 days. The cut-off scores of TIB among the three different groups were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results This study enrolled 180 subjects: 60 in each group. The mean scores of TIB were 44.1 for the normosmic group, 27.5 for the hyposmic group and 10.9 for the anosmic group. The TIB scores were significantly different across the three groups. There was a significant correlation between the first and second TIB tests ( r = 0.506). The cut-off scores were 41 for normosmic subjects and 24 for hyposmic subjects. Conclusion The validity and test–retest reliability results suggest that the TIB is an appropriate olfactory test for the Taiwanese population.