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.

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.