Estimation of phenylthiocarbamide sensitivity to the alcoholism development risk

Aim: investigation of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste threshold in alcoholic patients. PTC tasting by H. Harris and H. Kalmus method has been performed among 136 persons. Filter paper with different PTC concentration has been used (from minimal dilution to bitter taste). More frequent nontesters occurrence among alcoholics has been revealed. For PTC bitter taste sensation more concentrated PTC solution is necessary. Statistically proved PTC taste threshold differences allow this test using for alcoholic predisposition detection.