Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Should an Allen test be performed before radial artery cannulation?
James E Barone1, Robert V Madlinger
1Department of Surgery, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10451, USA. james.barone@nychhc.org
Background:
This study aims to determine the current status of the Allen test for assessing the circulation of the hand.
Methods:
The Ovid electronic database was searched using multiple search terms and keywords. Bibliographies of pertinent articles were examined. Data involving results of Allen tests, criteria for abnormality and outcomes, specifically those related to adverse events, were extracted.
Results:
The criteria for an abnormal Allen test are not agreed upon. The significance of an equivocal or abnormal test is unclear. The test is not accurate in predicting postcannulation hand ischemia. Results of the test suffer from poor interrater reliability. Most critically ill patients cannot cooperate for the performance of the test as described.
Conclusions:
Performance of an Allen test before radial artery cannulation should not be considered a "standard of care."
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

