5. Analysis methods

GC/O can be used as a purely descriptive method (GC/sniffing ), but can also provide information on the olfactory impact of constituents when a suitable methodology is followed. These methodologies are generally divided into three main groups: dilution methods, detection frequency methods and intensity methods. The choice of method depends not only on the information required, but also on the resources available to the laboratory, especially human resources. By definition, some methods require a panel of eight to twelve assessors, while for others two may suffice.