Towards Universal Chemosensory Testing

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PROJECT SUMMARY The COVID-19 pandemic has brought smell and taste dysfunction to mainstream attention. Despite its role in signaling disease, as well as safety, attachment, and quality of life, the diagnosis of chemosensory disorders is far from accessible for most patients or routinely employed by most health care providers. Aligned with the goals of the 2022-2027 draft of the NIDCD Strategic Plan, we propose a conference to bring together scientists, clinicians, public health officials, patients and all other interested parties to identify opportunities and challenges for implementing routine chemosensory testing nationwide. The organization and execution of the conference result from a collaborative effort of four leaders with diverse backgrounds in the science and clinical application of chemosensory testing who represent institutions with distinct expertise in these areas. Participants in this conference will (i) share state-of-the-art methods in chemosensory testing; (ii) identify benefits and practicalities of chemosensory screening both for individuals and at the population level; (iii) communicate this information to medical associations, health care professionals, academic institutions, governmental agencies, insurance companies, industry, and the general public; and (iv) produce a peer- reviewed, consensus white paper for universal chemosensory testing detailing the rationale and recommendations that emerge from the conference, including a strategy to produce guidelines modeled on other successful campaigns. This in-person conference will include virtual components and childcare assistance, thus enabling the wider participation of diverse groups. We will also make videos of the presentations available online and generate Plain Language materials for the lay public, with both Spanish and English, as outreach content. Together, these activities will advance the use of chemosensory testing in multiple contexts, to speed diagnosis of chemosensory disorders and associated health problems, facilitate therapeutic and supportive interventions for affected individuals, and improve human health and quality of life.