Diagnostic Value of Patient - Reported and Clinically Verified Olfactory Disorders (COVID-19)

Diagnostic Value of Patient - Reported and Clinically Verified Olfactory Disorders in a Population Tested for COVID-19

Participants are healthcare workers and adult outpatients referred in a COVID-19 screening center. Patients-reported symptoms are collected, then participants underwent a simple olfactory test (CODA for Clinical Olfactory Dysfunction Assessment), prior to swabbing for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis (RT-PCR). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of smell and taste disorders, and to calculate the diagnostic value of patient-reported and clinically verified smell disorders in persons with suspected COVID-19.

Inclusion criteria:

• Symptoms compatible with COVID-19
• Close exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 index case
• Ambulatory (asymptomatic, or if symptomatic, did not require hospitalisation, thus with initial mild disease)

Exclusion criteria:

• known history of smell and taste disorders
• testing inability (cognitive impairment, non native French speakers, test malingering)
• testing contraindication (children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, specific allergies).