Allens Test

What is Allens Test?

Allens test is used to gauge the flow of
blood in the hands. It determines
whether one or both of the two arteries
the ulnar and radial arteries that
bring blood to the hands are functional.
It is performed before radial arterial
blood sampling or cannulation.
Purpose
This test is used to determine adequate
collateral blood flow in the hand by
evaluating the patency of the radial and
ulnar arteries.

Determines whether ulnar circulation is
inadequate or nonexistence. Once
inadequate or nonexistence of ulnar
circulation is noted the radial artery
supplying arterial blood to that hand should
not be punctured once.

Procedure
1. Check the patients identity and explain the procedure to
ensure that correct client undergoes the procedure and
promote coordination of the client.

2. patients hand should be elevated above his or her heart

3. Instruct the patient clench his/her fist, or if the patient is
unable, you may close the hand tightly. This removes as
much blood from the hand as possible.

3. Using your fingers, apply direct pressure to the radial and
ulnar arteries to obstruct the arterial blood flow to the
hand.
4. While maintaining the elevated hand position,
Have the client open his or her hand while
applying occlusive pressure to both arteries.
Fingers and hand should be pale and blanched
which indicates lack of arterial blood flow.

5. Release the pressure over the ulnar artery.
Observe color of fingers, thumbs and the
hand(while maintaining enough pressure to
occlude the radial artery).. The hand should return
to normal colour within 5-7 seconds.
If the patients hand returns to normal colour
within 3-7 seconds


the Allens test is said to be negative and the patient has
normal dual blood supply. If the patients hand returns to
normal after 7 seconds, the Allens test is said to be negative
and the patient does not have dual blood supply to the hand
(or if he or she does, it is very small).

6. Repeat procedures with the other hand.

What is the Clinical Significance of Allens Test?
When the Allens test is positive (meaning that the patient
does not have dual blood supply to the hand), he or she
will often have a negative result for the other hand.
Therefore, to reduce the risk of ischemia to that hand, it
is important to perform the cannulation or arterial blood
gas collection from the hand with dual blood supply.

A positive result indicates that there is only one artery
delivering blood to the hand. An Allens test with a
positive result means that it is not safe to draw blood or
insert a cannula in the area. The test may be done again
in the other hand. It is rare for both hands to show
positive results.