Compression therapy device sports refers to medical devices and medical equipment that apply controlled external pressure to a limb (most often the legs, sometimes the arms) in contexts that include sports medicine, rehabilitation, and hospital-based care. Depending on design, these devices provide static compression<\/strong> (e.g., stockings, sleeves, wraps) or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)<\/strong> (e.g., powered pumps with inflatable cuffs\/boots that cycle pressure).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, the phrase \u201ccompression therapy device sports\u201d can create confusion because it spans both regulated clinical systems (used in hospitals for prevention and treatment pathways) and consumer-facing \u201crecovery\u201d products marketed to athletes. The overlap in appearance (boots, sleeves, pumps) does not necessarily mean the same performance specifications, alarm features, labeling claims, or validation standards. For hospital teams, that distinction matters when determining whether a device is appropriate for VTE prevention workflows, infection control processes, and asset management programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why it matters: compression is widely used as an adjunct<\/strong>\u2014not a standalone solution\u2014in workflows ranging from postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention to edema (swelling) management, lymphedema programs, wound care pathways, and sports recovery services. Because it interfaces directly with skin and soft tissue and may be used for prolonged periods, it carries important safety, infection prevention, and operational considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A useful mental model is that compression has a \u201cdose,\u201d even when a device does not display a precise physiologic output. Dose is shaped by factors such as (1) how much pressure is applied, (2) where it is applied (foot only vs calf vs thigh), (3) whether the pressure is constant or cyclic, (4) how long it is worn, and (5) whether the device is actually used consistently. Two patients can have very different experiences and risk profiles with the same equipment depending on skin integrity, sensation, mobility, and how well the garment fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article is written for learners and hospital decision-makers. You will learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional topics covered to support real-world implementation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow local protocols, the supervising clinician\u2019s direction, and the manufacturer\u2019s IFU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression therapy is the therapeutic application of pressure to body tissues using a clinical device, hospital equipment, or garment system. Compression therapy device sports is best understood as a category<\/strong> that spans both clinical and sports-medicine use cases, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some settings, you will also hear more specific terms that sit under this umbrella, such as \u201canti-embolism stockings\u201d (often used for hospitalized, less mobile patients) versus \u201cmedical compression stockings\u201d (commonly used in outpatient venous care). These terms can reflect different intended uses, knit patterns, pressure profiles, and labeling claims. For teams, the key operational point is that garments that look similar may not be interchangeable without confirming the IFU and the clinical goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n External compression aims to support fluid movement<\/strong> in the limb. In general terms, compression may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression may also support comfort and function for some individuals by reducing the sensation of heaviness associated with swelling, improving the \u201ccontained\u201d feel of a limb during activity, or making fluid management more predictable across the day. In sports contexts, the intended benefit is often framed as recovery experience and routine standardization; in clinical contexts, the intended benefit is more directly tied to risk reduction (e.g., VTE prevention) or symptom management (e.g., venous disease or lymphedema care).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In hospitals, compression is often integrated into VTE prevention bundles<\/strong> (VTE includes deep vein thrombosis, DVT, and pulmonary embolism, PE) and postoperative pathways. In sports and rehabilitation, compression devices may be used as part of recovery routines where organizations aim to standardize services and improve user experience. The strength of evidence and recommended protocols vary by indication, population, and product design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding a few basic concepts helps learners connect device setup to patient outcomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This primer is intentionally simplified, but it explains why compression devices can be helpful while also highlighting why they must be used carefully and monitored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although both are \u201ccompression,\u201d the operational considerations differ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may encounter Compression therapy device sports across many areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional locations where compression equipment may show up include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each setting has different workflow pressures. For example, inpatient units focus on continuous use and documentation, while sports facilities often focus on timed sessions and throughput. The device may be the same, but the operational risks can differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From an operations standpoint, compression devices can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can also support workflow resilience by providing an option when staffing is stretched. For example, when manual edema techniques are not available at the desired frequency, a structured compression plan may help maintain consistency (still requiring monitoring and periodic refitting). In sports clinics, standardized compression sessions can be easier to schedule and track than purely manual recovery services, particularly when multiple athletes need similar time blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learners most often meet compression therapy in three ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In simulation labs or OSCE-style assessments, learners may also be evaluated on \u201cdevice safety basics\u201d such as confirming patient identity, selecting the correct size, preventing tubing trip hazards, and documenting therapy correctly. These skills matter because compression devices are common, but their effectiveness drops sharply when they are misapplied, not running, or avoided due to discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For trainees, compression devices are a practical reminder that outcomes depend on correct selection, correct application, and consistent use<\/strong>, not simply device availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use decisions should be driven by local protocols, clinician orders, and patient-specific assessment. The themes below are general and intentionally non-prescriptive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A helpful way to frame the question is: \u201cWhat problem are we trying to solve?\u201d In hospitals the goal is often risk reduction (VTE prevention) or swelling management, while in sports medicine the goal is often recovery experience, symptom management, or standardization of supportive services. The same device can be used for different goals, but the screening and monitoring plan should match the goal and the level of supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression therapy device sports may be used as an adjunct in situations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on local practice, compression may also appear as part of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hospitals often make practical choices based on patient mobility and bleeding risk. Compression may be selected or emphasized when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These decisions are highly protocol-driven, and the presence of a device at the bedside does not guarantee effective prophylaxis unless the device is correctly fitted, running, and tolerated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression can be harmful when applied to the wrong patient or with the wrong technique. General situations where compression may not be suitable include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This list is not complete. Contraindications and warnings vary by manufacturer and by the specific modality (garment vs IPC vs wrap system).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to \u201chard stops,\u201d teams often manage relative cautions<\/strong> where compression might still be used but only with extra safeguards, for example: very fragile skin, severe edema with rapidly changing limb size, cognitive impairment that prevents symptom reporting, or unusual limb shape that makes standard sizing unreliable. In those cases, supervision level and monitoring frequency become part of the safety plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even when compression is ordered, teams typically treat these as \u201cpause and verify\u201d moments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In sports clinics and training centers, screening is often less formal than in hospitals, so programs may build a short \u201csafety intake\u201d into the process. Examples of screening themes include: history of vascular disease, current limb pain\/swelling that is unusual, recent surgery, skin breakdown, known neuropathy, or any implanted hardware or devices that could be compressed. The goal is not to practice medicine without authority, but to identify when to pause and seek clinical input rather than proceeding with a routine recovery session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line: Compression therapy device sports should be used with clinical judgment, supervision, and local protocol alignment\u2014not as a generic \u201crecovery tool\u201d applied without screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Successful and safe use depends as much on operations and training as on the device itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common components (varies by manufacturer and model) include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Environment considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, teams often benefit from small \u201csupport items\u201d that prevent problems before they occur:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Facilities commonly require role-based competency for this clinical device, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Competency can be owned by nursing education, physiotherapy leads, or clinical engineering in collaboration\u2014structures vary across hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In sports facilities, competency planning still matters even when the product is marketed as \u201ceasy to use.\u201d Practical training topics often include: identifying high-risk clients who should be referred for medical clearance, consistent cleaning steps between users, and how to document sessions and adverse effects. The risks (pressure injury, nerve irritation, skin breakdown) can still occur in wellness environments, especially when sessions are unsupervised or when clients fall asleep in boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before application, teams typically verify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional pre-use checks that reduce \u201cmystery alarms\u201d include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Documentation commonly includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where electronic health record (EHR) workflows exist, some facilities tie documentation to VTE prevention dashboards, compliance auditing, and daily rounding prompts. Even a simple consistent charting habit (\u201con, fitted, functioning, tolerated\u201d) can help teams identify gaps such as frequent disconnections or patient refusal due to discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a hospital operations lens, readiness includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For some device fleets, additional lifecycle practices can prevent program failure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A practical division of labor often looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In home-care or outpatient pathways, patients and caregivers also become part of the \u201coperational system.\u201d Successful programs typically include clear education on how to apply garments correctly, how to recognize concerning symptoms, and how to store and clean equipment as directed. Without that education, adherence and safety can decline even when the product itself is high quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clear ownership reduces \u201ceveryone thought someone else cleaned it\u201d failures\u2014common in shared hospital equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Workflows vary by model, but the safest approach is to follow a consistent universal sequence and then apply manufacturer-specific steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A practical \u201cmicro-skill\u201d that helps with safety is to visually inspect the edges after application. If you see a sharp line, rolled cuff edge, or the garment digging into a narrow point, fix it immediately rather than waiting for the next skin check. Small positioning problems are a common starting point for pressure injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In environments where multiple models exist, staff sometimes \u201clearn one pump\u201d and then apply those habits to another model with different indicators or alarms. One risk control is to keep a quick-reference guide with the device fleet (or in the medication room) so staff can confirm what an alarm means and what the expected cycle should look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the clinical device:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact values, ranges, and recommended protocols vary by manufacturer, clinical indication, and local policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some clinical pumps have additional features such as \u201cdetection\u201d of disconnection, automatic pressure adjustment, or compliance reporting. Sports-oriented devices may offer simplified controls, app-based interfaces, or fewer alarm features. Regardless of interface, the operational questions remain: Is it fitted correctly? Is it running? Is the user tolerating it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n To add detail without replacing the IFU, the following are common best-practice themes teams use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not substitutes for manufacturer instructions, but they reflect common real-world error patterns that lead to discomfort or skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patient safety with compression therapy is mainly about patient selection, correct application, and ongoing monitoring<\/strong>. The device is external, but harm can occur through pressure injury, reduced perfusion, nerve compression, falls, or delayed recognition of limb complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common safety practices include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitoring is not just about \u201cskin looks okay.\u201d Teams also watch for patterns such as repeated device removal, patient refusal due to discomfort, or therapy being paused for imaging and never restarted. Those issues reduce effectiveness and can create uneven application across patients\u2014an operations problem as much as a clinical one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression-related skin injury is more likely when pressure is concentrated at a point or when tissue tolerance is low. Patients who may need extra protection and more frequent checks include those with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Facilities often integrate compression monitoring into broader pressure injury prevention programs (turning schedules, skin risk scoring, heel protection). Compression devices should \u201cfit into\u201d those programs rather than being treated as separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IPC tubing and pump placement can create hazards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many units include a standard practice of pausing\/removing the device before ambulation and restarting afterward. If your facility uses that approach, the safety challenge becomes ensuring the device is reliably restarted and documented\u2014otherwise the therapy becomes \u201cintermittent by accident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression devices are prone to \u201calarm fatigue\u201d because alarms can be frequent with disconnections or kinks. Practical controls include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Human factors also include patient experience. Some individuals feel anxious or claustrophobic in tightly fitted boots, while others find the cycles disruptive to sleep. Explaining the purpose, expected sensations, and how to request a pause can reduce sudden removal and improve adherence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety depends on aligning three things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If these conflict, facilities typically escalate to the unit leader, infection prevention, or biomedical engineering to clarify the correct approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-reliability organizations treat compression-related issues as learnable events:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While local policy and specialist direction should guide practice, teams often need additional planning for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression therapy device sports often provides device-centric outputs<\/strong>, not physiologic measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the model:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some devices also provide indicators such as \u201cgarment connected,\u201d \u201cpressure reached,\u201d or \u201ccycle completed.\u201d These can be helpful for workflow checks, but they still do not replace skin and neurovascular monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, outputs are used to answer operational questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinical interpretation still depends on patient assessment (symptoms, skin checks, and the broader care plan).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treat device output as supportive information, not a substitute for clinical assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frontline teams often use simple observational checks to validate device function:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These checks are especially important after transfers, imaging, or any event where the device may have been disconnected and reconnected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A structured response reduces harm and prevents repeated failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If multiple devices are available, a pragmatic test is to swap one component at a time (for example, try a different cuff on the same pump, or a different pump with the same cuff) according to local policy. This can help determine whether the fault is in the pump, the tubing, or the garment\u2014useful information for biomedical engineering and for reducing downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While alarm names differ, many IPC pumps fail in predictable ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Facilities typically stop compression and reassess if there is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop the device, remove the cuff if appropriate per protocol, and escalate immediately to the supervising clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients may refuse compression due to heat, discomfort, noise, sleep disruption, or anxiety. Common facility responses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is not to force therapy, but to reduce avoidable discomfort and ensure the care team understands adherence barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Escalate to biomedical\/clinical engineering when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Escalate to the manufacturer (often via the local representative) when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good documentation supports both patient safety and operational learning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where available, adding a brief \u201croot cause note\u201d (e.g., \u201ctubing kinked under bed wheel,\u201d \u201cwrong size cuff applied,\u201d \u201cpump alarmed repeatedly despite connector replacement\u201d) can help prevent recurrence and supports targeted staff education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compression devices frequently contact intact skin, but they can also be used near wounds, dressings, or compromised skin. That makes clear reprocessing pathways essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common real-world gap is unclear ownership when devices move between departments (e.g., therapy gym, ward, and outpatient clinic). Programs that succeed at scale typically define: who cleans it, when it is cleaned, what products are used, and where it is stored after cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always use facility-approved disinfectants and observe required contact (wet) times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In sports settings, sweat accumulation is often higher, and users may wear minimal clothing under boots. That makes cuff interiors and liners especially important to clean correctly and consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using non-approved chemicals, soaking connectors, or laundering non-launderable materials can degrade plastics and seals. That can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short: infection prevention and device reliability are tightly linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reprocessing does not end with wiping a surface. Programs often add simple controls such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These controls are especially useful in sports medicine facilities where devices may be moved quickly between athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A manufacturer<\/strong> typically markets the product under its name and is responsible for quality management systems, labeling, IFU content, and regulatory obligations in the markets where it is sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An \n
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What is Compression therapy device sports and why do we use it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Core purpose (plain language)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A short physiology primer (why pressure can change fluid movement)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Static vs intermittent compression: practical differences in the real world<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common clinical settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Key benefits (patient care and workflow)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How medical students typically learn this in training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When should I use Compression therapy device sports (and when should I not)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Appropriate use cases (common themes)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common decision points in VTE prevention workflows (context, not a protocol)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Situations where it may not be suitable (general contraindication themes)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Safety cautions (practical, non-clinical)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What do I need before starting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Required setup, environment, and accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Training and competency expectations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pre-use checks and documentation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Operational prerequisites (commissioning and maintenance readiness)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Roles and responsibilities (who does what)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How do I use it correctly (basic operation)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basic step-by-step workflow (universal pattern)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Setup and calibration (where relevant)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Typical settings and what they generally mean (non-prescriptive)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Steps that are commonly universal across models<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Modality-specific application tips (practical and non-brand-specific)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How do I keep the patient safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Safety practices and monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pressure injury prevention: who is higher risk?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Falls and mobility safety (often overlooked)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alarm handling and human factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Facility protocols and manufacturer guidance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Risk controls, labeling checks, and incident culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Special populations (planning considerations)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How do I interpret the output?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Types of outputs\/readings you may see<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How clinicians typically interpret them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common pitfalls and limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Quick reality checks that help in practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What if something goes wrong?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Troubleshooting checklist (frontline)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common alarm scenarios (examples, not brand-specific)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to stop use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Patient refusal or intolerance (operational reality)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to escalate to biomedical engineering or the manufacturer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Documentation and safety reporting expectations (general)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Infection control and cleaning of Compression therapy device sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cleaning principles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Disinfection vs. sterilization (general)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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High-touch points to prioritize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Example cleaning workflow (non-brand-specific)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why IFU alignment matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Storage, transport, and \u201cclean\/dirty separation\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Medical Device Companies & OEMs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Manufacturer vs. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n