Is the Allen test reliable enough?

Abstract

The Allen test is a good and valid screening test for the circulation of the hand. If the Allen test is negative it is safe to harvest the radial artery. If it is positive further examinations are needed to ensure safe harvesting of the radial artery.

Radial Artery as Conduit is Safe and Effective in Coronary Bypass Surgery in the Elderly Single-Central Results From 326 Patients

“…Traditionally and widely, this has been done with MAT, 8 which is cheap, rapid and simple. Nevertheless, the MAT has been criticized 16,17 for being too unreliable and subjective, and for its relatively low sensitivity and specificity. Approximately 17% our patients had positive MAT.…”

“…other studies. 8,16,17 Doppler ultrasonography of RA allows for the evaluation of adequacy of the ulnar collateral circulation to the hand and also allows for the preoperative rejection of an RA graft with poor quality such as small diameter, vessel wall arteriosclerosis, or calcification to be recognised. There was positive result for the MAT in 17.3% of patients in our study.…”

Intraoperative Pressure Measurement in Radial Artery Harvest. A Tool with Additional Value?

“…Various techniques can be used either alone or in combination. In light of our earlier studies we recommend the use of ultrasonography in selected patients (5). Occasionally, the only preoperative screening method available is the Allen test.…”

“…Earlier we studied the quality of radial arteries planned to be harvested and also determined the optimal preoperative assessment routine to select appropriate patients for radial harvesting (5). We found that severe complications are rare, with careful screening, most likely avoidable.…”

The Allen test is not adequate enough for the screening of hand circulation

“…We read with great interest the article by Kohonen et al [1] dealing with the diagnostic role of the Allen test in the evaluation of hand circulation. We congratulate the authors for their study.…”