The pressure a stocking exerts is measured at the ankle in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Different compression ranges result from varying the knit design and elastomeric yarn type and denier.
Compression hosiery in the UK could be classified in four groups:
1. Support Hosiery
These garments generally provide an ankle pressure of less than 14mm Hg at the ankle. The packs are usually marked with the relevant compression value at the ankle, the higher the compression value the stronger the stocking.
2. Anti-Embolism Stockings
These stockings were for the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) whilst patients are in bed in hospital. They provide a pressure at the ankle of between 15-20 mm Hg. The garments are normally white in colour with an open or inspection toe.
3. Stockings Conforming to RAL-GZ 387
This specification originated in Germany and is the basis for all compression hosiery recognised by the Health Insurance Schemes in both Germany and Switzerland. For more than 30 years stockings of this type have been prescribed for their patients by Vascular Consultants in hospitals in the UK.
The Compression Classes and the indications for use are:
| COMPRESSION CLASS |
PRESSURE AT THE ANKLE IN mm Hg* |
INDICATIONS FOR USE |
| I |
18 – 21 |
Slight varicosity
Oedema
Varicose vein prevention during pregnancy |
| II |
23 – 32 |
Pronounced varicosis
Pronounced oedema
Following sclerotherapy and varicose vein surgery
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Chronic venous insufficiency
Prevention of leg ulcers |
| III |
34 – 46 |
Severe varices with oedema
Following sclerotherapy and varicose vein surgery
Prevention of leg ulcer recurrence
Severe Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
Mild lymphoedema |
| IV |
49 and higher |
Severe lymphoedema |
| * Millimetres of Mercury |
4. Stockings Conforming to UK Drug Tariff Specification 40:
| COMPRESSION CLASS |
PRESSURE AT THE ANKLE IN mm Hg* |
INDICATIONS FOR USE |
| 1 |
14-17 |
Superficial or early varicose veins
Varicose veins during pregnancy |
| 2 |
18 -24 |
Varicose veins of medium severity
Venous ulcer treatment and prevention of recurrence
Mild leg swelling
Varicose veins during pregnancy |
| 3 |
25-35 |
Gross varicose veins
Severe venous insufficiency
Gross leg swelling
Venous ulcer treatment and prevention of recurrence |
| * Millimetres of Mercury |
5. Contra-Indications Warnings and Precautions:
Care should be taken to observe specific manufacturers contra indications warnings and precautions. In general these may include:
Absolute contra-indications:
- Arterial disease in the legs.
- Severe heart disease.
- Severe infections of the veins.
- Allergy to compression stocking fabric.
Relative contra-indications:
- Infections of the skin.
- Loss of feeling in the legs.
- Allergy to compression stocking fabric.
Further information is available in our Credalast Instructions for use leaflet:
 |
Credalast Instructions for use Click here to download a PDF |
The information on this site has been designed to show best practice and to guide with the latest advice. However, information contained on this site represents our views and is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with Health Care professionals.
