Allen Test

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (163 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

6

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

14 Oct 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

The Allen test is a screening technique that assesses collateral blood flow in the hands by evaluating the patency of the ulnar and radial arteries and the presence of a complete palmar arch. This clinical procedure is typically conducted to prepare for procedures that may potentially disrupt the vascular supply through the radial or ulnar arteries. Such procedures include arterial puncture, cannulation, and artery harvesting for forearm flaps or bypass grafting.

A negative Allen test suggests inadequate dual blood supply to the hand, warranting further pre-procedural evaluation. This may also contraindicate the planned procedure due to the increased risk of hand ischemia and arterial thrombosis. This activity reviews the relevant hand vascular anatomy, indications for performing the Allen test, technical steps, and the role of the interprofessional healthcare team in utilizing this maneuver to improve patient outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the indications for performing the Allen test, including procedures that may disrupt arterial flow.

  • Implement the Allen test procedure accurately to evaluate the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries.

  • Select appropriate follow-up diagnostic methods if the Allen test indicates inadequate collateral circulation.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare team members to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and optimal care for patients undergoing procedures that affect hand circulation.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Content is king

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Doctor G. on 9/16/2021

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DIMITRIOS T. on 11/27/2021

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Enjoyed videos and illustrations in color

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Hardeep A. on 9/27/2022

Kimlyn L. on 10/14/2022

Informative educational

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jennifer d. on 2/13/2024

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ISLAM A. on 2/28/2024

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ishvar p. on 5/20/2024

Excellent topic!

Antonio R. on 5/28/2024

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Michael G. on 7/31/2024

Ziyad H. on 8/6/2024

The functional and topographic arterial anatomy in the hand is beautiful, and would perhaps have deserved a better and more detailed presentation.

nils n. on 8/8/2024

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