Researchers compare the portable sulphur monitors Halimeter and OralChroma in halitosis cases

A team of researchers from Belgium have recently published a research paper on the use of the halimeter (by Interscan) and oralchroma (by abilit) as halitosis measuring devices on a large number of people claiming to have halitosis. The department they are from has a background in halitosis research.

2009 paper : Clinical reliability of non-organoleptic oral malodour measurements

Vandekerckhove B, Van den Velde S, De Smit M, Dadamio J, Teughels W, Van Tornout M, Quirynen M.

Department of Periodontology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Aim: Measurement of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) by portable sulphur monitors (Halimeter((R)), OralChroma()) is a common practice for diagnosis of oral malodour. In this study, the clinical value of these devices was examined. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty patients with bad breath complaints attending a halitosis consultation were enrolled. Organoleptic scores were given by a trained and calibrated judge, before measurement of the VSC levels (Halimeter((R)), OralChroma()), to avoid any bias. Results: Significant correlations were found between the organoleptic assessment, the Halimeter((R)), and the OralChroma() (R=0.74 for organoleptic versus Halimeter((R)); 0.66 for organoleptic versus OralChroma(); 0.63 for Halimeter((R))versus OralChroma()). The sensitivity and specificity (with regard to the organoleptic score) to detect patients with/without oral malodour for the Halimeter((R)) were 63% and 98%, respectively, and for the OralChroma() 69% and 100% when using the cutoffs suggested by the manufacturer. By lowering these values, sensitivity could be improved without a significant decrease in specificity (both devices). Conclusions: We concluded that the measurement of the VSC levels can be used as an adjunct to the organoleptic assessment. Thresholds should be revisited in order to improve their clinical utility. These devices can prove the absence of malodour in case of pseudo-halitosis.

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Related links :
Van den Velde pubmed papers