The Self-Administered Waterless Empirical Sense of Taste Test™ (WETT) 

A self-administered sense of taste test that does not require water stimuli or rinses.

By Richard L. Doty, Ph.D.

This 53-stimulus version of the WETT^® sense of taste test has the same components as the original classic WETT^® and can be sent through the mail to individuals for self-administration. No water stimuli or rinses are required. Each individually packaged kit comes with response forms and instructions for self-administration for 1 person. Ideal for a complete assessment of taste function. Can be self-administered in 15 minutes. CE certified. 

The WETT^® Manual is sold separately and provides detailed instructions for the valid administration and interpretation of the Self-Administered 53-stimulus WETT^® test.

Why test for sense of taste of and sense of smell?

• Quality of Life
• Personal Safety
• Health
• Nutrition
• Occupational Safety
• Early Intervention

The senses of smell and taste monitor the intake into the body of all nutrients and airborne chemicals required for life. These senses provide a warning for toxic fumes, smoke, leaking natural gas, spoiled food, and dangerous environments. Importantly, they determine the flavor and palatability of foods and beverages, and provide a vast array of aesthetic delights.

Unlike vision and hearing, smell and taste testing are not routinely performed by physicians, the government, the school system, or employers. This is in spite of the fact that decreased chemosensation, particularly smell loss, can be very debilitating, placing an individual, as well as coworkers, at risk in many occupations (e.g., chemical manufacturing, nuclear plant maintenance, firefighting, police work, plumbing, aviation, nautical engineering and maintenance, and many military and industrial situations). Those who work in hazardous environments or in situations where smell warning is essential should be evaluated regularly. Such testing can be employed to transfer people with dysfunction to jobs in which decreased smell function has no major safety consequences.  Smell loss can be an early sign of some diseases. Sensonics’ tests can be used to detect smell loss, but cannot be used alone to diagnose disease.

These types of sense of taste kits are often used by food manufacturers, restaurants, research organizations, and culinary professionals to gather valuable insights into consumer preferences, product quality, and market trends. They provide a structured and controlled way to compare and contrast different options, helping businesses make informed decisions and improve their offerings.

Brief Version Available

The Self-Administered Waterless Empirical Taste Test - Brief (B-WETT^®) is a 27-stimulus version of the WETT^® Taste Test that can be sent through the mail to individuals for self-administration. Each individually packaged B-WETT^® kit comes with response forms and instructions. Ideal for situations where the full WETT^® is impractical. Administration time is less than 10 minutes. CE certified.

Purchasing Options

Self-Administered Waterless Empirical Sense of Taste Test™ (WETT) (32016) includes 1 individually packaged kit with response forms, scoring key, and instructions for self-administration for 1 person. 

Self-Administered Waterless Empirical Sense of Taste Test™ - Brief (B-WETT) (32016B) includes 1 individually packaged kit with response forms, scoring key, and instructions for self-administration for 1 person. 

Self-Administered Waterless Empirical Sense of Taste Test™ Manual (WETT) (32016M) includes 1 manual that provides detailed instructions for the valid administration and interpretation of the Self-Administered 53-stimulus WETT^® test.