TED Hose: Step-by-Step Application Instructions for Blood Clot Prevention

Thrombo Embolic Deterrent hose, also known as T.E.D. hose or stockings, are anti-embolism stockings designed to prevent blood clots. The elastic fibers squeeze the legs to promote blood flow and are used primarily on patients who are bedridden or who have just had surgery. The instructions to put on the hose are simple, with only a few steps needed for successful application.

Instructions

• 1

  Put your hand into the hose all the way up to the heel pocket. Grab the center of the heel pocket and turn the hose inside out to the heel area.

• 2

  Position the stocking over your foot and heel. Center your heel in the heel pocket. Pull the hose up and around your ankle and calf.

• 3

  Make sure the hose is one to two inches below the bottom of your kneecap for knee-Length hose. Ensure that the stitch change is falling between one and two inches below the bend of the knee, with the top band resting on the line at the bottom of the buttocks, for "thigh-length" hose.