What is a column scale?
A column scale is a medical weighing scale with a column mounted indicator, meaning the weight reading is displayed at waist level for the user.
Column scales can save the user time and effort as it means there is no need to bend down to operate the scale. Column scales can also be fitted with height measures, meaning BMI is easy to calculate. For medical use, column scales must be Class III Approved.
What are Class III Approved scales?
All Marsden professional column scales are Class III Approved. Class III Approved scales are weighing scales that have been tested and calibrated to a specific standard, in accordance with the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) directive. This requires ‘all scales used in the determination of mass in the practice of medicine patients for the purpose of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment’ to be Class III Approved, along with five other weighing situations where Approved scales are needed.
Class III Approved scales undergo a rigorous testing programme by an EU Notified Body. This extensive testing provides assurance to the user that the scale meets the required level or accuracy, reliability and repeatability. Find out more here.
How accurate does my column scale need to be?
An incorrect weight reading in a medical context could be a matter of life and death - so the UK Weighing Federation (UKWF) has recommended that specific scale accuracies are used for each medical weighing application.
If the scale is being used for checking adult weight records, the scale should be accurate to at least 500g.
For regular monitoring to assess weight change or measuring weight to assist medical diagnosis the scale should be accurate to at least 200g.
When measuring weight for critical treatment (dialysis etc), readings should be to the nearest 50g/100g.
How do I know which column scale to choose?
Marsden’s range of medical column scales are all robust, accurate and Class III Approved. The choice of column scale you need depends on the needs of your patients.
The Marsden M-100 is a premium quality column scale with a 300kg and graduations to the nearest 50g. It is fitted with an integrated, retractable manual height measure as standard, but can be purchased with an automatic height measure. The M-110 features a robust column and can be purchased with with a manual height measure, digital height measure or automatic height measure.
The Marsden M-125 is our entry-level Class III Approved column scale and features an easy to use indicator with Body Surface Area (BSA) calculation - a function exclusive to Marsden scales.
Body composition scales are also part of our column scales range, and these offer a much more detailed measurement of a patient’s health. These weighing scales measure BMI, Fat Mass, Fat Free Mass, Basal Metabolic Rate, Total Body Water and Body Fat Percentage, in addition to weight.
How can I find more information?
Marsden are the largest supplier of medical scales to NHS hospitals. You can view each column scale by clicking above. Find out more information about any Marsden column scales by calling 01709 364296 or contacting our team today.