SCENTinel: A Rapid Smell Test for COVID-19 Surveillance

Background: The overall objective of this multi-site study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a brief olfactory test that could be used to screen for COVID-19 status based on self-reported diagnosis or confirmed diagnostic COVID-19 testing.Materials/Methods: Participants completed a brief olfactory function test designed to quickly and accurately identify those with a diminished or absent sense of smell, a cardinal indicator of COVID-19 infection. SCENTinel was an inexpensive, convenient, and robust smell test for COVID-19 surveillance of the population that quickly and easily assessed three smell loss factors: odor detection, odor intensity, and odor identification.Outcome/Impact: This study established a standardized protocol for use of SCENTinel as a rapid and objective smell test that could be easily incorporated into onsite COVID-19 testing centers, schools, and workplaces nationwide. Furthermore, the study provided key insights into early-onset chemosensory symptoms in relation to a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, providing a crucially needed means to contain the spread of COVID-19.