Do you routinely check an Allen's test before placing a radial arterial line?
If abnormal, does that data motivate you to cannulate an otherwise less ideal site like the brachial, axillary or femoral?
I have encountered varied, strong opinions on this question in different practice settings and from different generations of providers. My understanding is that the Allen's test has not been shown to be a reliable predictor for complications in the radial access cardiac catheterization setting. I have not been able to find good data assessing its utility in critical care.
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Do you routine check an Allen's test prior to placing a radial arterial line and pick a different site if "abnormal"?
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2 Answers
Mednet Member
Hospital Medicine · Baylor University Medical Center
Answered on
If for whatever reason, both radials cannot safely be cannulated, the next best site would be femoral. If either femoral sites are not accessible, brachial and axillary would be the less than ideal.
You are correct, the data regarding Allen’s test utilization is not robust.
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Mednet Member
Pulmonology · Lake Pointe Medical Center
Answered on
Agree.
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