A Method for Controlled Odor Delivery in Olfactory Field-Testing

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>A widely recognized limitation in mammalian olfactory research is the lack of current methods for measuring odor availability (i.e., the quantifiable amount of odor presented and thus available for olfaction) of training or testing materials during behavioral or operational testing. This research utilized an existing technology known as Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation Systems (COMPS) to produce a reproducible, field-appropriate odor delivery method that can be analytically validated and quantified, akin to laboratory-based research methods, such as permeation devices that deliver a stable concentration of a specific chemical vapor for instrumental testing purposes. COMPS were created for 12 compounds across a range of carbon chain lengths and functional groups in such a way to produce similar permeation rates for all compounds. Using detection canines as a model, field-testing was performed to assess the efficacy of the method. Additionally headspace concentrations over time were measured as confirmation of odor availability using either externally sampled internal standard-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (ESIS-SPME-GC-MS) or collection onto a programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) GC inlet with MS detection. Finally, lifetime usage was considered. An efficient method for producing and measuring reliable odor availabilities across various chemical functional groups was developed, addressing a noted gap in existing literature that will advance canine and other nonhuman mammal research testing.</jats:p>

Toward maintaining canine training aid integrity: Visualizing contamination and testing storage materials for a non‐hazardous canine training aid

“…The level of permeation through the poly seal bags and the Ziploc® bags was also expected, given that these bags are made of polyethylene and polypropylene. Such materials have been used for controlled odor permeation in previous studies [4][5][6].…”

“…For example, Macias et al used low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags to regulate the permeation of odor through the bags for use in canine trials [4]. Other studies used a similar approach by varying the thicknesses of the LDPE bags to regulate permeation rate of odor [5,6]. The first of these created different rates of odor permeation for a single compound and then matched permeation rates between different compounds [5].…”

“…Other studies used a similar approach by varying the thicknesses of the LDPE bags to regulate permeation rate of odor [5,6]. The first of these created different rates of odor permeation for a single compound and then matched permeation rates between different compounds [5]. These results demonstrated how odor permeation may be advantageous in canine training by providing measurable rates.…”

Calibrating canines—a universal detector calibrant for detection dogs

“…As it is utilized presently, the UDC is or can be packaged in the controlled odor mimic permeation systems (COMPS) consisting of target odorants sealed in a permeable polymer bag ( 19 , 20 ), the training aid delivery device (TADD®) (SciK9® LLC, Lorton, VA) ( 21 , 22 ), absorbed onto cellulose filter paper ( 23 ) (Redland Ahead UDC Canine Training Aid Package, Innovative Detection Concepts, Miami, FL), or adsorbed onto a Getxent (Neuchâtel, Switzerland) tube ( 24 ). The concentration of UDC vapor can be systematically varied to assist canines in recognizing the varying amounts of odor they will encounter in search scenarios and assist them in generalizing from “trace” to “bulk” amounts of odor.…”

An Automated Canine Line-Up for Detection Dog Research

“…are placed in a line or circle and the dog is asked to search them. Such procedures are frequently used for research as well ( 3 – 7 ). Line-up procedures are commonly used in training and research because they are inexpensive, easy to setup, and can be adapted to different settings.…”