Sniffing out COVID: new At-Home smell test could spot infections early

NCT ID NCT05040659

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a simple, at-home smell test to see if it can detect COVID-19 infection and track how smell recovers over time. About 1000 adults, including those with known smell loss and healthy volunteers, will use smell cards to rate odor intensity, identification, and discrimination. The goal is to see if this test is a reliable tool for screening and monitoring smell changes related to COVID-19.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

AROMHA Longitudinal Smell Test (a set of smell cards)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a simple, at-home way to detect COVID-19 and monitor smell recovery, helping guide treatment and reduce spread.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage study focused on measurement, not treatment. The test may not be accurate enough for widespread use, and results may not apply to all populations.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anosmia COVID-19 influenza long COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States