What is a hoist weighing scale?
A hoist weighing scale is an attachment for a hoist that is used in care homes, hospitals or other clinical settings. It allows a patient to be weighed whilst in a hoist. Hoist weighing scales, or hoist weighing attachments, are typically used to weigh bedbound patients or patients who cannot stand.
Marsden hoist scales and weighing attachments clip onto the hooks or links on the spreader bar of the hoist. The patient's weight is measured by the downward force exerted onto the scale.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stipulated that all hoist weighing scales are Medical Device Directive (MDD) Approved. Hoist weighing scales must also be Class III Approved.
What are MDD Approved scales?
MDD Approved scales are weighing scales that have met the safety and administrative requirements set out by the Medical Devices Directive. Generally, medical weighing scales are not classed as medical devices so therefore do not need to be MDD Approved. However, there are exceptions.:
Hoist weighing scales, because they are attached to a hoist and therefore form part of a device that lifts a patient off the ground, must by MDD Approved to be legal for use. The only hoist weighing attachments legal for use in the UK are Marsden’s M-600 and M-605.
The Medical Devices Directive (MDD 93/42/EEC) is one of three directives that cover medical equipment.
What are Class III Approved scales?
Class III Approved scales have been built, tested, verified and calibrated to a specific standard - as outlined by the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) directive.
All scales ‘used in the determination of mass in the practice of medicine patients for the purpose of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment’ must be Class III Approved. These scales are subject to a rigorous testing programme by an EU Notified Body, providing assurance to the user that the scales are accurate, reliable and deliver repeatable results.
How accurate does my hoist weighing scale need to be?
In a medical context, an incorrect weight reading could be a matter of life and death. The UK Weighing Federation (UKWF). (the trade body for the UK weighing industry, has recommended that specific scale accuracies are used for each medical weighing application.
Scales being used for checking adult weight records should be accurate to at least 500g.
For regular weight assessment or measuring weight to assist medical diagnosis, scales should be accurate to at least 200g.
When measuring weight for critical treatment (dialysis etc), readings should be to the nearest 50g/100g.
Where can I find more information?
Marsden is the largest supplier of medical scales to NHS hospitals. You can view each hoist weighing scale by clicking above. Find out more information about any Marsden hoist scales by calling 01709 364296 or contacting us today.