Body weight measurement is one of the most frequent and necessary indicators of health. The degree of permissible load, dose of prescribed drugs during illness or in the rehabilitation period, metabolic processes in the body, and so on depends on its size. To register the indicated indicator in clinical conditions, medical floor scales are used, special requirements are imposed on these devices.
Types of Medical Scales
Each model is developed and manufactured in accordance with established medical standards for quality, accuracy, safety. Technical data of the new sample are entered in the state register of medical devices.
Medical floor scales are divided into two types - with mechanical and electronic measurement principle.
Find out how disassemble and repair mechanical floor scales.
Mechanical medical floor scales
A special spring is used as a measuring part. With a weight effect on the platform of the device, deformation of the indicated part (tension) occurs. The degree of this stretching corresponds to a certain value of the acting body mass, which is indicated by the arrow on the scale connected with the spring.
In medical facilities, constructions are mainly used, where weighing takes place by setting special weights on two scales. It is necessary to achieve complete balance, then the readings of the scales can be considered correct.
Such scales have several advantages:
- high strength;
- simplicity of operation;
- long service life;
- independence from power supplies;
- absolute resistance to electromagnetic influences;
- low cost.
However, there are fundamental shortcomings, because of which preference is given to scales with an electronic principle of operation. First of all, this is a large measurement error. In mechanical models, it ranges from 200 grams to one and a half kilograms. The large step between the divisions on the scale does not allow measurements to the nearest gram, and this is a significant drawback when it comes to medical scales.
In addition, such devices are not equipped with additional functions and have limitations on the permissible weighing weight. The maximum weight should not exceed 150 kilograms.
Electronic medical floor scales
The designs of these scales differ in the type of recording system, the results of which are processed by the built-in microprocessor. He is also responsible for the additional functionality that the device is equipped with.
Scales with a built-in disk
The principle of operation is mechanical, the readings are displayed on an electronic scoreboard. The device is convenient in that there is no need to bend over during measurements to see the result. The sharpness of the displayed information is sufficient to make it visible from a height of human growth.
Capacitor Based Scales
The recorded value is the distance between the planes of the capacitor located inside the device. Under physical pressure on the platform, this parameter changes, which is characterized by the occurring electric current. The result of matching a specific weight is displayed. This design is characterized by good reliability and sufficient accuracy.
Scales with voltage sensors
A thin conductor connected to four sensors is fixed around the perimeter of the device case. Under the action of the measured mass, the wire is stretched, which is reflected in the magnitude of the electrical pulses. The data is processed by a microprocessor and then displayed on the display. Such designs are convenient in that they provide the smallest operational error.
In medical facilities, floor scales with a height meter are often used, which simultaneously measure the weight and height of a person. This is especially convenient when conducting professional medical examinations at enterprises or in schools. Indispensable instruments that allow you to measure the weight of a person in a wheelchair or wheelchair. There are many other functions offered by manufacturers:
- calculation of an individual weight index based on a growth indicator;
- numerical determination of body fat and muscle mass;
- comparison of indicators recorded at different times due to automatic identification;
- automatic transition from an operating mode to "sleeping" and vice versa.
Among the leaders in the manufacture of medical scales are SECA, Beurer (Germany), VMEN (Russia), Tanita (Japan).
General Terms of Use
In order for the device to accurately measure the necessary parameters, the following rules must be observed:
- Before starting operation, you need to make sure that the measuring element (arrow, indicator) is at zero level. If this is not the case, the device must be configured.
- Weighing should be carried out at the same hours, preferably in the morning before meals.
- Before the procedure, the patient should be dressed in light clothing so as not to distort the measurement results.
- On the balance to be in a calm state, without making unnecessary movements.
- Record the results graphically or in numerical format for the convenience of tracking the desired parameters.
These simple recommendations will help to take readings with maximum accuracy.
Models and Features
Products of the German company SECA have long enjoyed a reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and large-format medical devices.
The column model SECA-700 is equipped with a built-in height meter with a maximum measurement scale of two meters. It works on a mechanical basis with an error of 50/100 grams. The measuring scale is located at eye level, which is very convenient. The maximum permissible weight is 220 kilograms.
Some samples include a growth measurement with a separately connected height meter, such as the SECA-360 wireless.
SECA-769 - electronic scales with the ability to calculate body mass index, memorize data, keep the results on the display. The device operates in an energy-saving mode, which allows you to use it for a very long time. Additionally, a height meter can be installed.
The SECA-703 model is designed to record weight parameters up to 300 kilograms. The design has a large platform (335 × 80 × 345 mm) at a low level, which makes it easy for obese people to use the device. Measured indicators can be transmitted to a computer. The material of the product is characterized by high strength and durability.
SECA-644 scales are equipped with special handrails for the convenience of weighing overweight people. The device has the functions of auto power off, protection against overload (up to 300 kilograms), wireless data transfer, transportation (platform on wheels with brake mode).
For weighing immobile patients, the SECA-984 model is used. The device has four measuring planes, which are placed under the bed supports using special lifts. With a resolution of 100-150 grams, the measured parameters are displayed on an electronic display, as evidenced by the sound signal.
Domestic models of medical floor scales are not inferior to imported ones in quality and quantity of additional functions. In addition, Russian products have a more affordable price.
The model VMEN-150-50 / 100-D2-A is used for weighing people with body weight up to 150 kilograms. Equipped with a remote control display with a cord length of three meters. It has the function of automatic reset and sample tare, works in energy-saving mode.
VMEN-200-50 / 100-I-D1-A allows you to measure weight up to 200 kilograms. The device is equipped with a function for connecting to a computer. The operating temperature range is from -10 to + 40 ° C.
Sample VEM-150- “MASSA-K is also a very popular domestic product. Specifications:
- the maximum allowable weight is 200 kilograms;
- the presence of an LCD indicator with four backlight modes;
- battery power with a resource of up to 56 hours;
- sensory overload protection;
- high-quality materials.
Scales of the Japanese brand Tanita are multifunctional analyzers of the parametric composition of the body. Devices are characterized by high accuracy and measurement speed (about 30 seconds).
Tanita 7830.01.001 allows weighing up to 220 kilograms. The device can be paired with a PC via a USB cable. Additional functions: preservation of previous indicators, selection by tare mass. The design is equipped with a wide non-slip platform and a 65 × 20 mm liquid crystal display.
Tanita 7831.01.001. This is a scale with an electronic height meter, the maximum threshold of which is 202 centimeters. The device, in addition to measuring weight, automatically calculates the body mass index, after which all obtained parameters can be saved with a special function. The measurement error does not exceed 100 grams.
The entire range of medical floor scales can only be seen in specialized medical equipment stores, which eliminates the falsification of these products. The quality of the specified product is confirmed by certificates.
See also: determine body composition with balance with water, fat and muscle analyzer.
