St. Croix Sensory, Inc.


	Overview
	Publications
	Odor Parameters
	Resources
	FAQ

Research Library : FAQ

Below is a listing of Frequently Asked Questions we normally receive at St. Croix Sensory. In some cases the Answer to the Questions includes a link to additional information on our web site or elsewhere on the internet.

Please contact us with any questions you may have that are not answered here.

Frequently asked questions
Q.	What is ASTM E679?
A.	ASTM E679 is an ASTM International standard method for determination of odor thresholds. This standard was first published in 1979 as E679-79, when it replaced the static threshold "Syringe Method", ASTM D1391. In 1991, minor revisions were made and the standard was renumbered E679 -91. Most recently, in 2004, additional examples were added to the standard and the newest revision is published as E679-04.

Q.	What is EN13725?
A.	EN13725 is a Committee European Normalisation (CEN) standard method for "Determination of odour threshold by dynamic olfactometry." EN13725 exceeds the requirements of ASTM E679-04 with additional QA/QC and assessor selection requirements. Please see the following publication for additional information.

Q.	What type of olfactometer do you use?
A.	For the majority of odor threshold testing at St. Croix Sensory, we use an AC'SCENT® Dynamic Olfactometer operating in Triangular Forced-Choice mode at 20-lpm. The AC'SCENT can also be operated in Binary Forced-Choice, Yes/No, or Direct Presentation testing modes. The AC'SCENT can also be operated at flow rates ranging from 3-LPM to 20-LPM.

Q.	What are Odor Units?
A.	Odor Units are a pseudo-dimension applied to odor threshold results from testing with an olfactometer. The olfactometer threshold result is a dimensionless dilution ratio. Frequently, the units of "Odor Units" (O.U.) or "Odor Units per Cubic Meter" (O.U./m3) are applied to the result. This dimensionless value refers to the average dilution ratio at the threshold or the number of dilutions needed to bring the odor to its threshold.

Q.	What is odor intensity?
A.	Odor intensity is determined following ASTM International E544-99, "Standard Practice for Referencing Suprathreshold Odor Intensity." See the Odor Parameters descriptions on our web site for additional information.

Q.	Where do I get sampling equipment?
A.	St. Croix Sensory is a manufacturer supplier of odor sampling equipment. Equipment is available for both rental or purchase. Please contact us for specific information about the equipment you may need (1-800-879-9231).

Q.	How do I ship samples to St. Croix Sensory?
A.	All odor samples should be analyzed within an industry standard of 30-hours. This requires samples to be shipped to St. Croix Sensory via priority overnight shipping (e.g. UPS or FedEx). In some cases early AM delivery is necessary from some locations and depending on the time samples were collected. St. Croix Sensory provides cardboard shipping boxes at no charge (charge for shipping), These boxes can be sent directly to your sampling site for your convenience. Please contact us for specific information about shipping (1-800-879-9231).

Q.	How long does it take to receive my results?
A.	St. Croix Sensory provides a detailed electronic and/or hard copy bound report within 5 business days after the evaluation. In most cases, reports are received 2-3 days after the evaluation.

Q.	I recently purchased a Nasal Ranger, how do I register it?
A.	You can register your Nasal Ranger equipment by visiting the Nasal Ranger website and using our convenient registration form.