Abstract

We discussed compression hosiery in the management of venous disorders and oedema in 1982.¹ At that time correct prescribing was difficult because no reference standards existed for the compression strength or the durability of elastic hosiery. Standards varied and some stockings did not provide a suitable pressure gradient.^2,3 In 1985 the British Standard BS 6612:1985 ⁴ was prepared by the Textile and Clothing Standards Committee which included physicians, surgeons and hosiery manufacturers. This British Standard has led to a revision of the Drug Tariff which now makes it possible to prescribe effective, comfortable and attractive stockings without difficulty.