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Allen's test
System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
The examiner compresses both arteries at the wrist while the patient clenches and opens the hand, then releases one artery: the palm should flush pink within seconds if the hand's collateral circulation is adequate.
What a positive finding suggests
Used before radial artery puncture or cannulation to check that the ulnar artery alone can supply the hand.
◈ Behind the name
Edgar Van Nuys Allen (1900–1961), American physician at the Mayo Clinic.
Related signs — General & Eye–Ear Signs
Browse the A section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.