Along with fever, cough and shortness of breath, many Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients report a temporary loss of their sense of smell. This olfactory loss appears to be significantly greater in COVID-19 patients compared to the normal loss that accompanies the common cold, or less commonly, in those suffering from the regular flu. Based on the data that has already been collected, Weizmann Institute scientists, in collaboration with researchers and physicians in the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, developed SmellTracker – an online platform that enables self-monitoring of one’s sense of smell – as this seems to be an early sign of the disease, or one that appears in those who are otherwise asymptomatic.

SmellTracker uses this algorithm to present users with an online scent test, guiding them through the process of mapping their sense of smell using five scents found in their homes (spices, vinegar, toothpaste, various scent extracts, peanut butter, etc.). The odor test lasts about five minutes and it enables users to be aware of any sudden changes in odor perception that may be an early indication of the onset of Coronavirus. The researchers report that the tool they developed has already successfully identified potential Coronavirus cases, which were later confirmed. Aside from personal monitoring, as more data is collected, the researchers think they will even be able to characterize a unique olfactory fingerprint for the early detection of COVID-19.