ALLENS

TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client sits or stands with the test shoulder in 90-degrees of abduction and external rotation, and the elbow in 90-degrees of flexion.

The therapist stands with fingers over the radial artery (distally).

​• ​Action

The client rotates the neck away from the test arm while the therapist palpates the radial pulse.

​• ​Positive finding

A diminished or absent radial pulse is indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

This test assesses vascular structures only and has a high incidence (>50%) of false-positive findings.

The therapist should record the rate and rhythm of the pulse as reduced or altered, as opposed to one that is completely diminished.

Allen's Test, named after Dr. Edgar Van Nuys Allen, is grounded in his extensive research on vascular health.

Contributions from Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley have further refined its clinical application.