False positive and negative results in Allen test

Arteriography under independent compression of the radial or ulnar arteries was performed on 44 hands with peripheral arterial disease, and the factors responsible for false positive and false negative Allen tests were analysed. As the cause for false positive results, aterial spasm in the uncompressed artery and erroneous compression of both radial and ulnar arteries were observed. As the cause for false negative results, miss-compression of the artery was observed. Furthermore, false negative results may be obtained in cases with occlusion of both radial and ulnar arteries. With careful performance of the technique, Allen test was applied to 140 normal hands and 52 hands with arterial occlusion. In comparing these results with arteriographic findings, no false positive results were obtained. Allen test is considered to be useful in diagnosis and for follow-up study after reconstructive surgery for the patency of the palmar arch, radial artery and ulnar artery, if it is properly performed.