Allen’s test, a test for the patency of the radial artery after insertion of an indwelling monitoring catheter. The patient’s hand is formed into a fist while the nurse compresses the ulnar artery. Compression continues while the fist is opened. If blood perfusion through the radial artery is adequate, the hand should flush and resume its normal pinkish coloration. The accuracy and utility of the Allen’s test has been questioned in the research literature.
