Wright test: How it works and when to see a doctor

The Wright test is a type of physical provocative test that healthcare professionals use to help diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of conditions in which the nerves, arteries, and veins that pass through the space between the collarbone and the first rib are compressed.

The Wright test involves a healthcare professional moving a person’s arm 90° upward, so it is in line with their shoulder, and then flexing their elbow to a 45° angle. The person holds this position for 1 minute while the healthcare professional assesses their radial pulse, which is the pulse point at the wrist, and any symptoms.

The healthcare professional then repeats the test, but they will move the person’s arm to its full range of abduction. This typically involves a person holding their arm upward at a 180° angle to the body.

A person may have thoracic outlet syndrome if the healthcare professional notices a decrease in the radial pulse, or if a person’s symptoms are reproduced during the test.

Other common physical provocative tests a healthcare professional may use for diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome include the Allen test, the Adson test, and the Roos test.

People may want to consider speaking with a doctor if they experience any symptoms that may indicate thoracic outlet syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulder, neck, arms, or hands.