Allen's test

[al´enz]

a test for occlusion of radial or ulnar arteries: the patient makes a tight fist so as to express the blood from the skin of the palm and fingers; the examiner makes digital compression on either the radial or ulnar artery. Failure of blood to return to the palm and fingers when the hand is opened indicates obstruction of the blood flow in the artery that has not been compressed. Either this test or a doppler ultrasound examination should always be performed prior to insertion of a radial artery line.

Allen's test

A clinical test used to evaluate ulnar-artery patency before radial-artery cannulation or radial-artery harvesting for coronary-artery bypass grafting.
Method Simultaneous compression of both the radial and ulnar arteries, followed by exsanguination of blood from the palm by repeated clenching and unclenching of the fist. The pressure over the ulnar artery is then released while maintaining pressure over the radial artery. A 5–6 second delay in flushing of the palm suggests abnormal ulnar-artery patency.

Allen's test

Rehabilitation medicine A test used to determine patency of the ulnar or radial artery; the hand is clenched to force blood out; if the blood does not flow back into the hand rapidly, one or more arteries are stenosed or occluded–eg, due to throacic outlet syndrome

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References in periodicals archive

Nursing Considerations for Patients Undergoing Transradial Cardiac Catheterization * Patient teaching to include preparation for procedure, as well as intra- and post-procedure considerations * Assessment and documentation of baseline dual circulation (Allen's test) * Access site preparation per hospital policy * IV line placement (preferably opposite arm) * Access site assessment for bruising, hematoma, or active bleeding * Assessment of circulation using pulse oximetry, blood pressure, capillary refill, and presence or absence of numbness and tingling * Hemostasis device management per physician orders * Activity restriction and bed rest guidelines * Discharge instructions

Care of the patient undergoing radial approach heart catheterization: implications for medical-surgical nurses

Potential cases were selected based on a positive reverse Allen's test and an easily palpable ulnar artery.

Transulnar access for coronary angiography and intervention

Allen's test helps us know how well connected these two arteries are," says Dr Kumar.

HEARTFELT MATTERS

If Allen's test is negative for both hands and radial artery is not accessible, then the brachial artery may be used.

Advice on the drawing of arterial blood gas samples in the PFT lab

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