Practice Quiz

Phlebotomy Technician

Category - Puncture & Draws

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Pheona the Phenomenal Phlebotomy Tech is preparing to perform an arterial puncture on the right radial artery. She has just completed the Allen test, the last step to determine if the right radial artery is suitable for arterial puncture. The test findings indicate it took about 25 seconds for color to return to the right palm and fingers. Is this finding considered a positive or negative Allen test? What does it indicate?
  1. Positive Allen test; artery is a viable arterial puncture site.
  2. Positive Allen test; artery is not a viable puncture site.
  3. Negative Allen test; artery is a viable arterial puncture site.
  4. Negative Allen test; artery is not a viable puncture site.
Explanation
Answer: D - A negative Allen test is an indication of restricted blood flow, and should not be used as a site for arterial puncture. Return of color to palm and fingers should be seen in about 15 seconds for an Allen test to be considered positive. The Allen test must be conducted prior to puncture.
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