Anti-embolism socks apply graduated pressure to the legs. Manufacturers list the pressure of the socks in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), which is a unit of pressure. Standard anti-embolism socks apply 18 mm Hg of pressure at the ankle, and this reduces to 8 mm Hg just below the knee.
How do you measure for antiembolism stockings?
Taking Your Measurements for Antiembolism Stockings Measure the perimeter of your calf at its broadest point. Measure your leg length from the bottom of your heel to the back of your knee.
How many sizes do anti embolism stockings come in?
T.E.D.™ Anti-Embolism Stockings - Knee Length T.E.D.™ anti-embolism knee length stockings are available in six sizes and two lengths, fitting a calf circumference of up to 26". T.E.D.™ anti-embolism thigh length stockings are available in five sizes and three lengths, fitting a thigh circumference of up to 36".
How long should you wear anti-embolism stockings?
However, generally, it is recommended to wear anti-embolism stockings for at least 2 weeks. In addition, you should remember to select the size of the stockings that should fit you. Anti-embolism stockings are a special kind of compression stockings that provides gradient pressure to the leg region.
What are antiembolism stockings?
Antiembolism stockings (also known as “TED hose”) are meant to gently support blood flow in people who are lying down and inactive. Antiembolism stockings will have a compression level of no more than 8-18 mmHg. Compression Socks are for Walking Around.
How do I know what size compression stockings to get?
Choose a sock size that will safely fit the largest foot, ankle and calf measurement. Measure at the widest part of the calf. Measure at the smallest part of the ankle just above the ankle bones.
How do NHS measure TED stockings?
How do you know the correct size of the stockings? Your legs will be measured before the anti-embolism stockings are fitted. This will be done by a trained nurse. They will take a measurement at the widest part of your calf.
How are TED hose sizes measured?
How to Take Measurements for Better TED Hose SizingMeasure the upper thigh circumference at gluteal furrow. ( ... Measure the calf circumference at its widest part. ... Measure the entire leg measurement from gluteal furrow to the base of the heel, if you are keen on purchasing thigh-high or waist-high hosiery. (More items...•
How do you measure TED stockings for compression?
Measure calf circumference at greatest portion to determine size. Measure the distance from bend of knee to bottom of heel to determine length. ... THIGH LENGTH WITH. BELT. ... Heel to crease at. buttock. ... Heel to Bend. of Knee. ... Small Regular. < 30.5cm. ... Small Long. < 30.5cm. ... Medium Regular. 30.5cm - 38.1cm. ... Medium Long. 30.5cm - 38.1cm.More items...
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 stockings?
Class 1 stockings (light compression) exert an ankle pressure of 14–17 mmHg. Class 2 stockings (medium compression) exert an ankle pressure of 18–24 mmHg. Class 3 stockings (high compression) exert an ankle pressure of 25–35 mmHg.
What is the difference between Ted hose and compression stockings?
Whereas TED hose are prescribed for non-ambulatory patients, compression socks are best suited for patients who are able to move around. Generally, compression socks are for patients with circulatory problems such as venous insufficiency, lymphedema and varicose veins.
How are stockings measured?
1:353:45How to measure for compression hosiery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake a measurement at the widest part of the calf muscle measure just above the ankle bone measureMoreTake a measurement at the widest part of the calf muscle measure just above the ankle bone measure from the back of the heel to the longest toe.
How do you measure thigh high anti embolism stockings?
The calf length is measured from the floor near your heel to the start of the knee on the backside of your leg. For thigh-high compression stockings, take a thigh measurement at the widest part of your thigh. For these stockings, the leg length should be taken from the bottom of the heel to the crease of the buttocks.
Are there different levels of compression socks?
Support compression stockings are made available in multiple compression support levels. Most commonly compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg) gradient compression levels.
What does 15 20 mmHg mean for compression socks?
A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins. Ideal for patients looking for more support.
What size is XL in compression socks?
Thigh High - Men & Women SizingSizeMeasurementMeasurementSmall7.4 - 8.2 in11.4 - 13.3 inMedium8.2 - 9.0 in12.9 - 14.5 inLarge14.9 - 17.7 in17.3 - 19.3 inXL18.5 - 21.6 in21.2 - 24.4 in3 more rows
How do you measure for compression stockings PDF?
Measure circumference G at the greatest thigh circumference. Measure length a-G posteriorly from gluteal fold straight down to the floor. Take the crotch, or K, measurement. Measure length a-T on the outside as far as the waist, reading off directly from the measuring board.
How do you measure thigh high anti-embolism stockings?
The calf length is measured from the floor near your heel to the start of the knee on the backside of your leg. For thigh-high compression stockings, take a thigh measurement at the widest part of your thigh. For these stockings, the leg length should be taken from the bottom of the heel to the crease of the buttocks.
How should TED stockings fit?
Stockings should feel snug, but not painfully tight. Mild compression, with lower numbers, is usually enough to keep you comfortable on your feet at work. You'll need higher numbers with a firmer fit to prevent DVT.
How do you measure for compression stockings PDF?
Measure circumference G at the greatest thigh circumference. Measure length a-G posteriorly from gluteal fold straight down to the floor. Take the crotch, or K, measurement. Measure length a-T on the outside as far as the waist, reading off directly from the measuring board.
Do compression socks come in sizes?
Whenever you are choosing between compression sock sizes, essentially just measure the circumference of your calf and the circumference of your ankle. But what if your measurement falls in between sizes. What should you do? Try smaller sizes that are closer to your measurements; don't opt-in for sizes higher than you.
Where to apply stockings to a patient?
Apply the stockings to the patient’s legs.
What is an AES stocking?
Anti-embolism stockings (AES), foot impulse devices or thigh or knee-length intermittent pneumatic compression devices can be used to reduce the risk of VTE. The choice of prophylaxis should be based on individual patient factors.
How does AES reduce the risk of VTE?
AES reduce the risk of VTE by exerting graduated circumferential pressure, which increases blood flow velocity and promotes venous return. In preventing venous distension, stockings are thought to reduce subendothelial tears and inhibit the activation of clotting factors (NICE, 2010a). Thigh-length stockings increase blood flow velocity in the femoral vein, preventing dilatation of the popliteal vein, and possibly offering more protection above the knee than knee-length stockings (Benko et al, 1999), although NICE (2010a) does not specify which length should be used.
When should patients be supplied with stockings?
Patients should be supplied with stockings as soon as they are identified as having a high risk of VTE. They should be advised to wear them day and night until their mobility is no longer significantly reduced (NICE, 2010a).
Can you give AES for stroke?
Stroke patients should not be given AES at all as they have been found to be ineffective at reducing risk of deep vein thrombosis in these patients and are associated with an increased risk of skin damage (Dennis et al, 1999). However, these patients can use other forms of mechanical prophylaxis (NICE, 2010a); intermittent pneumatic compression devices or foot pumps can be considered but, if these are unsuitable, hydration and early mobilisation may be the only safe options available.
Is stocking a risk?
Stockings carry a potential risk to patients. Risk is reduced by ensuring individuals are carefully assessed for suitability, legs are competently measured and stocking usage is closely monitored (NICE, 2010a). It is important that health professionals are involved in selecting and procuring AES to ensure clinical evidence on their efficacy and safety associated with the product has been fully considered. NT
Should patients be supplied with anti-embolism stockings?
All inpatients should be assessed to determine their risk of VTE. Patients should be supplied with anti-embolism stockings (AES) as soon as they are identified as having a high risk of VTE. To reduce potential risk of AES for patients they should be assessed for suitability.
What are anti-embolism stockings?
They are designed with compact fabrics that boost the flow of blood, thus inhibiting blood clot formation. Also, compression socks are designed with varying levels of compression between 5 mmHg to 60 mmHg while anti-embolism socks have their highest compression level at 18 mmHg. The reason for its relatively low compression level is to maintain adequate venous response in patients without needing to address already present venous issues.
Why do anti-embolism socks work?
Anti-embolism socks make proper blood circulation to the legs a seamless and effective process.
What are compression socks?
Compression socks offer a viable remedy for patients recovering from surgery with bed rest. 2. Anti-embolism Socks Reduce Swelling. It’s expected that some patients might feel some level of pain and swelling after surgery.
Why do you change your support stockings?
Be sure to change your support stockings each day because they may become sweaty and dirty from use. It is a good idea to have two or more pairs in order to have a pair available to wear while the other is being washed. 2. Keeping Your anti-embolism socks clean.
Do you wear compression socks after surgery?
All you should know about Wearing Anti-embolism Socks after Surgery. Let’s assume you’re planning for major surgery, especially an operation affecting your legs. You may need to use compression socks as recommended by your doctor. This will go a long way toward helping in your post-surgery recovery process.
Is it easier to recover from surgery with anti-embolism socks?
Recovery from surgery is easier now that we have anti-embolism socks. Anti-embolism stockings are essentially a subset of compression socks, commonly used for patients restricted to bed and awaiting recovery. In this article, we will review what an anti-embolism sock is all about, how it works and reasons for wearing them. Relax and read on!
Do anti-embolism socks help with DVT?
Anti-embolism socks enhance circulation and minimize swelling, which in turn prevents DVT, varicose veins and spider veins while also enhancing healing time.
How to know if stockings are indicated?
Identify whether stockings are indicated by assessing the patient’s risk of VTE and bleeding following your local policy and procedure.
Where to apply stockings to a patient?
Apply the stockings to the patient’s legs (Fig 2).
How does AES reduce VTE?
This article focuses on the use of AES. AES reduce the risk of VTE by exerting graduated circumferential pressure, which increases blood flow velocity and promotes venous return. In preventing venous distension, stockings are thought to reduce subendothelial tears and inhibit the activation of clotting factors.
Why is it important for nurses to follow local guidance on the use of AES?
It is important that nurses follow local guidance on the use of AES and monitor their patients for signs of complications. Adherence to treatment can be challenging for patients, so nurses should explain the reasons for AES and support patients to manage their care.
Why do you have to reassess if you are discharged from hospital with stockings?
The risk must be reassessed if a patient is discharged from hospital with stockings to ensure the benefit outweighs the risk.
Can you wear stockings at home with AES?
All patients who have impaired mobility at the time of discharge and who have had AES should continue to wear their stockings at home until their mobility is restored, providing that this is considered to be safe. NICE (2018) defines people with significantly reduced mobility as “patients who are bed bound, unable to walk unaided or [those who are] likely to spend a substantial proportion of the day in bed or in a chair”.
Can you get mechanical thromboprophylaxis for VTE?
Under the NICE (2018) guidance, medical patients who have a high risk of developing VTE should not receive mechanical thromboprophylaxis. The exception is patients in critical care, who should be considered for mechanical measures only if pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is contraindicated.
Introduction
Indications For Antiembolism Stockings
- Surgical patients
The NICE (2018) guideline offers slightly different guidance depending on the type of surgery patients are having and their risk factors. Due to the variation in this guidance, many trusts have opted for a simplified approach, so it is important to make sure that local guidance is also revie… - Medical patients
Under the NICE (2018) guidance, medical patients who have a high risk of developing VTE should not receive mechanical thromboprophylaxis. The exception is patients in critical care, who should be considered for mechanical measures only if pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is contrain…
Assessment
- AES carry a potential risk of skin damage and restriction of blood flow to the lower legs if applied to patients with contraindications – outlined in Box 1 – or if patients receive inadequate care. Risk is reduced by ensuring: 1. Patients are carefully assessed for suitability of AES; 2. Legs are competently measured; 3. Stocking use is closely monitored (NICE, 2018). The risk must be reas…
Applying Antiembolism Stockings
- Equipment
1. Tape measure; 2. AES of an appropriate size and length. - The procedure
1. Wash and dry hands before approaching the patient. 2. Discuss VTE risk with the patient and explain why AES may be required. 3. Identify whether stockings are indicated by assessing the patient’s risk of VTE and bleeding following your local policy and procedure. 4. Assess for contra…
Conclusion
- It is important that nurses follow local guidance on the use of AES and monitor their patients for signs of complications. Adherence to treatment can be challenging for patients, so nurses should explain the reasons for AES and support patients to manage their care. 1. Professional responsibilities – This procedure should be undertaken only after approved training, supervised …