How to Perform a Modified Allen Test | Respiratory Therapy Zone

How to Perform a Modified Allen Test? What is collateral circulation? Watch this video to learn more about this topic.
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➡️ What is the Modified Allen Test?
The Allen test for assessment of blood flow was originally developed by Edgar V. Allen in 1929 as a non-invasive method of assessing the patency of a patient’s arteries. Since then, it has been adopted as the Modified Allen test and is used to check for collateral circulation of the radial and ulnar arteries in the wrist. The difference between the Modified Allen test and the original Allen test is that the Modified Allen test efficiently evaluates the adequacy of blood circulation at one hand at a time.

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🟦 Here are the proper steps in performing a Modified Allen test:

➡️ Step 1. Have the patient make a fist.
Instruct the patient to clench his or her fist in order to enhance the circulation within the arteries. If the patient lacks the ability to do so, close his or her hand tightly.

➡️ Step 2. Locate the radial and ulnar arteries.
Face the patient and locate the radial and ulnar arteries. The radial artery is located on the thumb side of the wrist on the underside of the forearm, while the ulnar artery is on the pinky side of the wrist. Make sure to locate the radial and ulnar pulses.

➡️ Step 3. Grab the patient’s hand.
Using your right hand, slowly grab your patient’s left hand. You can also use your left hand to grab your patient’s right hand depending on your preference.

➡️ Step 4. Locate the pulse.
Place your middle finger on top of the radial pulse and your pointer finger on the ulnar pulse of the patient.

➡️ Step 5. Apply pressure to both arteries.
When the pulses can be felt, apply occlusive pressure to both the ulnar and radial arteries to temporarily stop blood circulation of the hand. Be sure to tell the patient to relax his or her hand while doing this.

➡️ Step 6. Have the patient open their hand.
This is done to check whether the palm and fingers have blanched. Blanching means that you have completely occluded the radial and ulnar arteries with your fingers. The hand should have a white-ish appearance in color.

➡️ Step 7. Slowly release the pressure on the ulnar artery.
You can release pressure on the ulnar artery while keeping the radial artery occluded. If the patient’s hand flushes, meaning that it turns pink, within 5 to 15 seconds, this means that the ulnar artery is patent or has good blood flow.

This is considered a positive Modified Allen test and you can proceed to stick the ABG at this site. However, if flushing is not observed within 5 to 15 seconds, this result suggests that the ulnar artery does not have collateral circulation and this is considered as a negative Modified Allen test.

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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - What is the Modified Allen Test?
1:14 - Have the patient make a fist
1:29 - Locate the radial and ulnar arteries
1:50 - Grab the patient’s hand
2:05 - Locate the pulse
2:18 - Apply pressure to both arteries
2:34 - Have the patient open their hand
2:52 - Slowly release the pressure on the ulnar artery

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💡DISCLAIMER
Medicine and Respiratory Therapy are continuously changing practices. The information in this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. For medical advice, please consult with a physician or qualified medical professional.

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