Sechenov University has completed the creation of a test to assess the sense of smell.

Introduction: In a groundbreaking collaboration, experts from Sechenov University and Rosbiotech have unveiled a pioneering achievement for medical diagnostics in Russia. The result of their efforts is the country’s inaugural smell test, designed to evaluate an individual’s sense of smell. This innovation promises to significantly enhance medical treatment by providing doctors with a more effective means of assessing patients’ conditions.

The Innovative Test: The newly developed smell test encompasses a panel of 20 distinct aromas, all familiar to residents of Russia. These scents, ranging from the ubiquitous to the more nuanced, include orange, garlic, tangerine, banana, mint, lemon, apple, melon, watermelon, cucumber, raspberries, strawberries, onions, cut grass, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, roses, fish, and alcohol.

Objective Evaluation: The evaluation of a person’s olfactory perception is achieved through a subjective scoring system comprising 45 points. This scale simplifies primary medical diagnoses, facilitates the monitoring of recovery progress, and enhances research accuracy. Doctors can tailor treatment plans more effectively by assessing the impact of certain medications on nasal functionality.

Overcoming Global Limitations: While similar tests developed abroad exist in the international medical landscape, none have been officially registered in Russia or made available in the country. Furthermore, these foreign-designed tests often feature aromas unfamiliar to the Russian population, rendering their results less applicable. This disparity led to the decision to create a domestic smell test tailored to the preferences and experiences of Russian citizens.

Pandemic-Driven Innovation: The impetus behind developing this domestically crafted smell test was significantly fueled by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A notable symptom of the virus was the loss of the sense of smell in many infected individuals. This unforeseen consequence emphasized the urgent need for a reliable and culturally relevant smell test, further motivating the collaborative efforts of Sechenov University and Rosbiotech.

Conclusion: Introducing Russia’s first domestic smell test marks a pivotal advancement in medical diagnostics. By catering to the Russian population’s unique olfactory experiences, this innovation can transform patient care. As the medical community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, this achievement stands as a testament to the capacity for innovation, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.