Bariatric Scales
Bariatric scales are specialised weighing devices designed to accurately measure the weight of individuals who are obese or have a higher body mass index (BMI). These scales are built with robust materials and have a higher weight capacity compared to standard scales, often supporting up to 300 kg. They are essential tools in medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and weight management centres, providing reliable data that is essential for monitoring the health and progress of bariatric patients. Featuring advanced technology, such as digital displays and data connectivity, bariatric scales ensure precision and ease of use, facilitating better patient care and health management.
Browse our range of bariatric scales below.
FAQs
Why do we need bariatric scales?
Bariatric scales are essential for several reasons, primarily related to the accurate and safe monitoring of individuals with higher body weights. These reasons include:
- Accurate Weight Measurement: Standard scales often have weight limits that do not accommodate heavier individuals, leading to inaccurate readings or inability to measure at all. Bariatric scales are designed to handle higher weight capacities, ensuring precise measurements.
- Medical Necessity: For healthcare providers, accurate weight data is crucial for diagnosing, treating, and managing various health conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Bariatric scales provide reliable data for appropriate medical interventions and adjustments.
- Safety: Using a standard scale for a person beyond its weight limit can be dangerous, potentially causing the scale to break and injure the individual. Bariatric scales are constructed to safely support higher weights, minimising risk.
- Patient Dignity and Comfort: Larger individuals may feel more comfortable using bariatric scales that are specifically designed for their needs. This consideration helps maintain patient dignity and encourages regular health monitoring.
Overall, bariatric scales play a vital role in ensuring accurate health assessments, promoting safety, and enhancing the quality of care for individuals with higher body weights.
What types of bariatric scales are available?
There are several types of bariatric scales available, each designed to meet specific needs and settings. These include:
- Floor Scales: Also known as platform scales, these are the most common type of bariatric scales. They feature a large, flat platform that accommodates higher weight capacities and provides stability for individuals to stand on while being weighed.
- Chair Scales: These scales incorporate a built-in chair and are particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty standing. They allow patients to sit comfortably while their weight is measured.
- Wheelchair Scales: Designed to weigh individuals in wheelchairs, these scales have a low-profile platform that can accommodate a wheelchair. They often include ramps for easy access and a tare function to subtract the weight of the wheelchair from the total measurement.
- Bed Scales: Ideal for bedridden patients, bed scales allow for weight measurement without the need to move the patient from their bed. These scales typically use a system of sensors placed under the bed or a specially designed bed frame with integrated weighing capabilities.
- Handrail Scales: These scales are equipped with sturdy handrails for added support and stability, making them suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those who need assistance balancing.
- In-Bed Scales: Similar to bed scales, in-bed scales are used to weigh patients who cannot be moved. These scales use a combination of sensors and lifting mechanisms to measure the patient's weight accurately while they remain in bed.
- Portable Bariatric Scales: These are designed for mobility and convenience, allowing healthcare providers to bring the scale to the patient. Portable bariatric scales are lightweight yet durable, often featuring foldable or compact designs for easy transportation.
Each type of bariatric scale serves a unique purpose, ensuring that individuals with higher body weights receive accurate, safe, and convenient weight measurements in various healthcare settings.
