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Phalen's test is specifically designed to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). During this test, the patient is asked to flex their wrists by pressing the backs of their hands together for about a minute. This position increases pressure within the carpal tunnel, where the median nerve runs. If the test is positive, the patient will typically experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the distribution of the median nerve, which signifies the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

In contrast, Finkelstein's test is used to evaluate De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Cozen's test is a method used to diagnose lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, by assessing pain during wrist extension against resistance. The arm curl test does not have any relevance to diagnosing conditions related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, Phalen's test is the appropriate choice for assessing this specific condition.