What is a floor scale?
A floor scale, in a medical context, is a weighing scale that has a flat surface for patients to step stand on and usually has a weight display on one side. Some floor scales have a separate indicator which makes them suitable for weight-sensitive environments.
Medical floor scales are popular in GP surgeries, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and gyms because they are easy to use and light enough to be portable.
Marsden medical floor scales and stand of scale are all Class III Approved. Legally, if the scale is being used for determining weight for treatment, diagnosis or medication, it needs to be Class III Approved.
What is a Class III Approved scale?
A Class III Approved scale is built, tested, verified and calibrated to a specific standard. The Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) directive determines these standards, and states that 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. Approved scales are rigorously tested by an EU Notified Body, providing assurance to the user that the scales are accurate, reliable and deliver repeatability.
How accurate does my floor scale need to be?
An incorrect weight reading could be a matter of life and death. The UKWF (UK Weighing Federation - the trade body for the UK weighing industry) has recommended that specific scale accuracies are used for various medical applications.
Floor scales that are used for general checking of an adult’s weight should be accurate to at least 500g..
If the scale is used for regular weight assessment or measuring weight to assist medical diagnosis, graduations should be to 200g.
When the scale is used in measuring weight for critical treatment (dialysis etc), readings should be to the nearest 50g/100g.
How do I know which floor scale to choose?
Our range of floor and stand on scales includes the M-420 and M-430: two of the most popular weighing scales available from Marsden, with robust construction, high accuracy and a tap-on feature. These scales are also lightweight enough for use by health visitors and, with a Bluetooth option available, are perfect for telehealth initiatives where patients are regularly weighing themselves at home.
For weight sensitive areas - like schools - we recommend a floor scale with a separate indicator. The 220kg capacity, 50g accuracy Marsden M-425 is easy to use and robust; however if a higher capacity and features like BMI calculation are must-haves, we recommend the M-510. For weighing bariatric patients, the M-530 is available with 300kg or 500kg capacities, and its low profile base makes it much easier for bariatric patients to step on to.
Finally, there is the M-550: our lowest-priced Class III Approved floor scale. It has graduations to 200g (500g over 100kg) and a 160kg capacity. This floor scale is perfect for GP surgeries - it is the digital alternative to mechanical scales commonly used by GP surgeries, but with five times the accuracy.
Bariatric Scales
Our range of bariatric scales are ideal for weighing bariatric patients. The M-530 is available with 300kg or 500kg capacities, and its low profile base makes it much easier for bariatric patients to stand on.
How can I find more information?
Marsden is the largest supplier of medical scales to NHS hospitals. You can view each medical floor scale by clicking above. Alternatively, read this medical floor scale buyer's guide. Find out more information about any Marsden floor scales by calling 01709 364296 or contacting us today.