Mechanical hand vacuum pumps can be used to elevate the vacuum for testing purposes in the prosthetist's office as well as by patients for applying thier prosthesis (if the socket  was designed with that in mind).

We have tried a number of pumps and by far the best is the Craftsman all metal brake bleeding pump from Sears. It is much more durable than the plastic version. Inexpensive. and easy to find at Sears. It has a good guage, and it pumps up higher than any of the other pumps. And Craftsman has a good warrantee to boot.

It is the heaviest of the hand pumps so it  may not be appropriate for patients to carry around. But if a lighter pump is preferred, I would still recommend also having the all metal pump for use in the office or at home. It is so much better.