ALLENS TEST Meaning and
Definition
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Allen's test is a medical procedure used to evaluate the blood circulation in the hand and to assess the patency (openness) of the radial and ulnar arteries. It is named after American surgeon Edgar Van Nuys Allen, who introduced the test in 1929. The test is often utilized prior to procedures such as arterial blood gas sampling or the placement of radial artery catheters to minimize the risk of ischemia or tissue damage.
During an Allen's test, the healthcare provider applies pressure simultaneously on both the ulnar and radial arteries, occluding blood flow. The patient is then instructed to make a fist and release it to allow blood flow through the opened vessel. The skin of the hand turns pale during the compression phase, and upon its release, it should rapidly return to its original color due to blood flow restoration.
The purpose of the test is to assess the patency and adequacy of the ulnar artery as a potential collateral pathway if the radial artery were to become compromised during an invasive procedure. If the ulnar artery fails to adequately supply the hand with blood during the test, it suggests that it may not be sufficiently capable of supporting proper perfusion in the event of radial artery occlusion. In such cases, alternate arteries for cannulation or additional evaluation may be considered to minimize the risk of ischemia or tissue damage in the patient's hand.
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Etymology of ALLENS TEST
The word "Allens test" refers to a medical procedure commonly used to assess the collateral circulation of the hand. It is named after Dr. Edgar Van Nuys Allen, an American physician who first described the test in 1929.
Dr. Allen was a vascular surgeon and he developed the technique as a way to evaluate the adequacy of circulation in the hand before performing radial artery procedures. The purpose was to ensure there was enough blood flow to the hand in case the radial artery needed to be occluded.
Since its introduction, "Allens test" has become a widely used procedure, and the name has been retained as a tribute to Dr. Allen's contribution to the field of vascular surgery.
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