What is BS 661210:2018+A1 - Requirements and test methods for hosiery about?
Hosiery is a class of tight-fitting garments with a knit construction, worn on the legs and feet. BS 661210:2018+A1 specifies requirements and test methods for the compression and stiffness of graduated compression hosiery, anti-embolism hosiery and graduated support hosiery.
The test method in BS 661210:2018+A1 might also be suitable for assessing the compression of dual-layer compression kits (e.g. ulcer kits) and other tubular compression devices, e.g. arm sleeves.
Note: There are some garments for which this test method is not suitable, and where the former settings of the test instrument might not accommodate all potential designs, especially some made to measure garments.
Who is BS 661210:2018+A1 - Requirements and test methods for hosiery for?
BS EN BS 661210:2018+A1 on the requirements and test methods for hosiery is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of hosiery
- Test centres for hosiery
- Product designing teams
- Regulatory authorities
Why should you use BS 661210:2018+A1 - Requirements and test methods for hosiery?
When worn on the supine leg, anti-embolism hosiery exerts graduated compression on the leg surface and reduces the incidence of deep venous thrombosis in non-ambulant patients. There are certain standardized requirements contributing to the quality of hosiery.
BS 661210:2018+A1 discusses terms, definitions, compression values, compression profiles and stiffness of hosiery that depict a detailed user-friendly idea. BS 661210:2018+A1 also provides users with test methods that contribute to the qualitative characteristics of hosiery, ensuring their reliability.
The guidelines in BS 661210:2018+A1 help you perceive the requirements and test methods for hosiery that enables you to provide a superior quality product to users.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 661210:2018+A1:2022 supersedes BS 661210:2018. BS 661210:2018+A1:2022 includes some technical changes with respect to BS 661210:2018. BS 661210:2018+A1:2022 merges BS 6612:1985, BS 7563:1999 and BS 7672:1993 and introduces the following principal changes. These include:
- It comprises separate sections specifying performance requirements for graduated compression hosiery (Section 2), anti-embolism hosiery (Section 3) and graduated support hosiery (Section 4)
- Section 2 includes guidance detailing the use of graduated compression hosiery (flight socks) for people at moderate-high risk of developing travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Performance requirements have been updated to reflect current clinical guidance and a new annex was added (Annex D) which explains the variety of classes and compression profiles used in the UK
- Annex A specifies a unified method of test for compression value and stiffness of compression/ support hosiery using a Mark II HATRA Hosiery Pressure Tester, based on the three previously published methods
- Annex B specifies a method for determining the heel position of non-prescriptive thigh-length stockings and tights that do not possess a reciprocated heel
- Annex C has been added to provide the rationale for the major changes made as part of the revision
- Annex D has been included to provide information on various pressure classes referenced in national and industry standards and clinical guidance documents