The Importance of Accurate Scale and Height Measures
Weighing equipment, such as scales and height measures, is an essential monitoring and diagnostic tool for healthcare practices.
Inadequate scales and measures or incorrect use of equipment can result in crucial errors in diagnosis and treatment.
While advances in technology continues to make weighing equipment more convenient and versatile, it is important to know that different models can vary significantly in form and function.
For optimal diagnosis, the pros and cons of different weighing equipment should be considered.
Why is Weighing Accuracy So Crucial?
Weighing patients accurately in healthcare settings is extremely important for both monitoring and treatment.
Accurate measurements are essential for (source: National Nurses Nutrition Group):
- Assessing and monitoring fluid and nutritional status.
- Calculating safe doses of medication and clinical therapies.
- Calculating nutritional and fluid requirements so appropriate nutrition support plans can be devised.
A lack of consistent weight recordings in conjunction with the use of inaccurate or inappropriate weighing equipment hinders optimal care (Clarkson 2012) leading to potential errors in diagnosis, treatment or medication dosage (DH, 2010, LACORS, 2009).
How Often Should Patients Be Weighed?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that body weight is recorded:
- For inpatients every week.
- Daily for the critically ill.
- On first contact in an outpatient setting.
- At home if weight is a cause for concern
Body weight, along with height, should also be recorded as part of nutrition screening in the following cases:
- On admission to hospital/pre-assessment clinics.
- At outpatient appointments.
- On admission to care homes.
- In GP surgeries.
What Are the Fundamental Features of Medical Weighing Scales and Measures?
According to the National Nurses Nutrition Group (NNNG), all new weighing equipment purchased for the purposes of weighing patients should tick the following boxes:
- Class III or higher and carry a green M label and CE mark
- Recorded on the medical devices inventory and the accuracy checked using traceable calibrated weights.
- Display only metric units.
It is also recommended that healthcare premises should instigate a programme of testing for their weighing equipment on an annual basis. Staff should receive training on how to use equipment and how to report faults or concerns about accuracy.
How to Find the Ideal Scale and Heigh Measures For Your Healthcare Practice
There is a wide variety of weighing equipment on the market, each with their own advantages.
Here are Henry Schein Medical’s three top recommendations, from entry level scales to premium quality scales and heigh measures.
Good
Marsden M-550 Digital GP Floor Scale
- Affordable, accurate and professional digital medical floor scale.
- Class III approved
- Scales without bluetooth connectivity have a 160kg capacity; scales with connectivity have a 200kg capacity.
- Bright, clear weight display.
- Tare and hold functions.
- BMI calculation.
- Tap-on function.
- Adjustable levelling feet.
- Dimensions: 355 x 345 x 60mm.
Better
Seca 875 Class III Digital Scale
- Flat scales with large platform for high stability.
- Lightweight and easy to transport, with optional carrying case.
- Stable, compact and easy to clean.
- For mobile use.
- Class III medically approved.
- Long life battery operation for ease of use.
Best
Marsden M-100 Column Scale with Height Measure
- Premium-quality, class III approved column scale with a 300kg capacity and 50g accuracy.
- Easy-to-use functions and an integrated height measure, creating a complete measuring solution.
- Integrated height measure and super-size base.
- Large, robust base to weigh bariatric patients.
- Full numeric keypad for easy BMI calculation.
- Auto-power off after 3 minutes.
- Hold functions.
- Dimensions: 460 x 440 x 1270mm.
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