Particularities and Clinical Applicability of Saccharin Transit Time Test

Abstract

Introduction The importance of mucociliary clearance (MCC) for the respiratory system homeostasis is clear. Therefore, evaluating this defense mechanism is fundamental in scientific research and in the clinical practice of pulmonology and of associated areas. However, MCC evaluation has not been so usual due to the complexity of methods that use radiolabeled particles. Nevertheless, as an interesting alternative, there is the saccharin transit time (STT) test. This method is reproducible, simple to perform, noninvasive, does not demand high costs, and has been widely used in studies of nasal MCC. Although the STT test is widely used, there is still lack of a detailed description of its realization. Objective The present literature review aims to provide basic information related to the STT test and to present the findings of the previous studies that used this method, discussing variations in its execution, possible influences on the obtained results and limitations of the method, as well as to relate our experience with the use of STT in researches. Data Synthesis There are several factors that can alter the results obtained from STT tests, which would raise difficulties with proper interpretation and with the discussion of the results among different studies. Conclusions Saccharin transit time is a widely used method for the evaluation of nasal MCC, and therefore, the standardization related to the previous and concurrent to test orientations, and also its execution, become essential to improve its accuracy, and allow comparisons among different studies.

Comparison of Saccharin Time in Nursing Home Residents With and Without Pneumonia: A Preliminary Study

“…To determine the normal ST for use in this study, we investigated healthy adults. In previous studies, mean STs for healthy adults ranged from 10-15 min (6,12). The mean ST of 12±6 min in the present study is within this range.…”

“…Nasal mucociliary clearance, measured by this test, is known to have a good correlation with tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance (5,12). In addition, the saccharin test is inexpensive, simple to perform, noninvasive, and reproducible (5,7,12). Although this procedure has already been established, standard STs have yet to be determined.…”

Short and Long Term Repeatability of Saccharin Transit Time in Current, Former, and Never Smokers

“…Nasal MCC can be measured with Saccharin test, a non-invasive, well tolerated and simply to perform method that measures mucociliary clearance transit time (MCCTT) (Rodrigues et al, 2019).…”

A simplified technique for evaluating nasal mucociliary clearance via saccharin transit time

“…Although no longer used as an initial screening test for PCD, the saccharin transit time (STT; the interval between instillation of a small grain of saccharin near the tip of an inferior turbinate and the subsequent subject report of a sweet taste on the tongue) may serve as a practical bedside assay for nasal mucociliary clearance in selected situations, albeit not without its technical challenges. Foremost among these are the physical form and quantity of crystalline saccharin, as well as the application device and procedure 9 . We evaluated a novel variant testing technique, using a concentrated sodium saccharin solution as the stimulus and a flexible‐shaft calcium alginate‐tipped applicator to deliver the stimulus to the inferior turbinate.…”

“…Although initially described over 4 decades ago, the STT involves procedural details that vary from study to study 9,10 . An advantage of the technique described here over those previously described in the literature is the use of a commercially available stimulus and applicator, as sodium saccharin solution is used in qualitative respirator fit testing, and calcium alginate swabs are used to obtain nasopharyngeal samples for influenza diagnosis.…”