# A confectionary-based screening tool for assessing chemosensory loss in COVID 19 patients.

> **NIH NIH R01** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $305,085

## Abstract

The goals of this Emergency Competitive Revision are to develop (Aim 1) and deploy (Aim 2) a
novel, objective, psychophysical smell and taste screening test to detect the onset of COVID 19
in at-risk populations. Complementary to the temperature screening procedures currently in use,
this tool is predicted to promote early identification of COVID onset leading to better prognoses
and the early implementation of protocols to prevent community spread. Our specific plan is to
use a hard-candy containing different combinations of tastants and flavors that are easy to
distribute to a large population. During the development phase (Aim 1), this novel test will be
compared with the NIH toolbox to assess the acceptability and efficacy of the two methods. We
expect that the hard-candy assessment will be at least as efficacious in detecting chemosensory
loss but more acceptable to subjects. Aim 2 will entail daily self-monitoring of chemosensory
function in at-risk populations with data tracked through a secure online portal. The novelty of
this confectionary-based test is that it provides standard stimuli that can yield objective
measures of both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of smell (aroma and flavor) and taste
(sweet and sour). Moreover, both orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function will be
independently assessed. The test can be self-administered and the familiar, pleasant nature of
the stimuli should facilitate a high compliance rate, allowing for continuous monitoring over
prolonged periods. Moreover, the test is rapid and inexpensive. Data will be incorporated into a
predictive model for COVID 19 and assessed using AOC analyses of sensitivity and specificity.
OSU is a leading large public land grant university with a varied population of students, faculty,
and support staff that includes all health care specialties. These characteristics, along with the
University-mandated regular PCR testing of students and staff makes it a perfect site to perform
this urgent research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10264611
- **Project number:** 3R01DC016112-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Susan P Travers
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $305,085
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-12-21 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10264611

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10264611, A confectionary-based screening tool for assessing chemosensory loss in COVID 19 patients. (3R01DC016112-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10264611. Licensed CC0.

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