Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

Palpate by three fingers radial artery (Image 1), than, on opposite site, the ulnar artery, which can’t be palpated, but we have to palpate area closest to ulnar artery.

2.    Ask patient to make a fist the tighter he or she can (Image 2).

3.    Stand at the patient's side and compress both the radial and ulnar arteries with the index and middle fingers of both your hands for several second to occlude both arteries (Image 2).

4.    Ask patient to release fist (Image 3).
5.    Realize your grasp from ulnar artery. Normally, within 5 second pale palm turns pink, showing good collateral circulation and signifies a negative Allen’s test (Image 3).

If ulnar filling is poor do not proceed but try the other arm.  Documentation of inadequate circulation in the affected extremity must be done.