Methods of Human Body Odor Sampling: The Effect of Freezing

Abstract

Body odor sampling is an essential tool in human chemical ecology research. However, methodologies of individual studies vary widely in terms of sampling material, length of sampling, and sample processing. Although these differences might have a critical impact on results obtained, almost no studies test validity of current methods. Here, we focused on the effect of freezing samples between collection and use in experiments involving body odor perception. In 2 experiments, we tested whether axillary odors were perceived differently by raters when presented fresh or having been frozen and whether several freeze-thaw cycles affected sample quality. In the first experiment, samples were frozen for 2 weeks, 1 month, or 4 months. We found no differences in ratings of pleasantness, attractiveness, or masculinity between fresh and frozen samples. Similarly, almost no differences between repeatedly thawed and fresh samples were found. We found some variations in intensity; however, this was unrelated to length of storage. The second experiment tested differences between fresh samples and those frozen for 6 months. Again no differences in subjective ratings were observed. These results suggest that freezing has no significant effect on perceived odor hedonicity and that samples can be reliably used after storage for relatively long periods.

Body Odor Quality Predicts Behavioral Attractiveness in Humans

“…Cotton wool pads were taped with Micropore TM tape under both armpits after showering with non-perfumed soap, immediately before the men went to bed (see Roberts, Gosling, Carter, & Petrie, 2008;, and were worn in bed for 8-10 h. In the morning, the men placed the pads in plastic bags and delivered them to the laboratory where they were stored in a -80˚C freezer until testing, which occurred within 1 month of collection. Freezing does not qualitatively alter subsequent perception of odors (Lenochova, Roberts, & Havlicek, 2009;. Male participants were non-smokers, undertook to avoid using deodorants or aftershaves on the day of collection, and to refrain from consuming alcohol or certain strong-smelling foods, and from sexual activity during sample collection (for more details of such restrictions, see .…”

Mutual Olfactory Recognition Between Mother and Child

“…Previous studies have shown that freezing length over this time frame does not influence body odour quality (Roberts et al, 2008;Lenochova et al, 2009). …”

Do Masculine Men Smell Better? An Association Between Skin Color Masculinity and Female Preferences for Body Odor

“…Also, the time interval between storage and the last defrosting was less than 6 months (Lenochova et al 2009). …”