Understanding the The Allen Test for Blood Flow Assessment
To assess the **patency (openness) of the radial and ulnar arteries** and determine the primary blood supply to the hand.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting. Arm is resting comfortably.
What happens?
The patient makes a tight fist. The examiner compresses both the **radial and ulnar arteries**. The patient opens the hand. The examiner then releases **one artery** (e.g., ulnar) and notes the time for the hand color to return.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A **delayed or incomplete return of color** to the hand after releasing one artery, indicating poor collateral circulation from that artery.
Helpful Tip:
A return of color within 5-7 seconds is usually considered normal.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Wrist/Hand Tests
Beighton Score
To quantify **generalized joint hypermobility** (laxity) across the body. The wrist/hand components assess passive joint laxity.
Bunnell-Littler Test (or Finochietto-Bunnell Test)
To differentiate between **Intrinsic Muscle tightness** (interossei and lumbricals) and **Capsular restriction** at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
This is the **condition name** (inflammation of the APL and EPB tendons), not a specific test. The Finkelstein Test is the primary diagnostic test.
Elson Test
To assess the integrity of the **Central Slip** of the Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) tendon, rupture of which leads to a Boutonniere deformity.