The radial artery is becoming a preferred conduit for coronary bypass surgery. Radial and ulnar arteries form a duel blood supply to the hand, this makes it important to identify those patients who can have the radial artery safely harvested. Aim of the study was to review methods of preoperative assessment of hand circulation including the Allen’s test, pulse oximetry test and Doppler ultrasound examination Doppler ultrasound is a safe tool for assessment of hand collateral circulation prior to radial artery harvesting in comparison with Allen’s test and pulse oximetry test.