Scales For Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Every trip to the doctor includes that inevitable meeting between you and the scale. Monitoring the patient’s size and weight is an important practice. Weight is an indicator of overall health, and sudden weight losses or gains could be an indicator of a larger problem. Even the smallest weight fluctuation in an infant can signal a health issue. Whether you are outfitting a small family practice or a large medical facility, medical scales are important to the practice of medicine. They can aid you in measurements from .0002 lbs to 1000 lbs or more. There have been great advancements in the technology of measuring scales, and your office may need an equipment update. Below are some tips to think about when considering a medical scale purchase.

What Do You Need Medical Scales for?

There are many different types of scales. There are baby weight scales, wheelchair scales, and mechanical scales that are available both large and small in size. The use of the scale will determine the fabrication. Scales that will hold larger weights should be reinforced internally with aluminum or other metal, allowing them to absorb more weight and shock and last longer than scales that are not reinforced. The function of the scale will determine the type of scale you need. Scales will weigh more than just patients; they will also weigh mechanical equipment and devices. Medical scales can make measurements as small as body fat calculations, or as large as a bedridden patient’s weight without removing them from the bed. Here are two of our best-selling medical scales:

Wheel Chair Scales

These weighing scales must be very rugged and reliable. Many of the professionally built wheelchair scales are based on designs used for industrial scales. Typically, they may be a platform scale that has been modified for this specific use. With a profile less than two inches high, a gently inclining ramp and a rubber mat on the platform, the scale is not a tripping or slipping hazard. Sturdy grab bars allow patients that can stand or walk short distances on their own to use the scale safely. These electronic scales utilize load cells in each corner of the scale platform to convert weight into electronic format.

If your medical center runs on a tight budget and cannot afford to put a wheelchair scale in each room, we offer a portable option that can be moved from room to room. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, side casters, fold-down posts and a rechargeable internal battery pack with an AC adapter. This design is incredibly mobile and incorporated into a busy schedule.

If you use an electronic medical record system, you can even have patient weights communicated directly to the file with our Bluetooth enabled the system. The scale does not need to be connected to a computer to do this, which preserves its portability while allowing you to keep accurate patient records digitally.

Our choice is the Arlyn 320-WC model wheelchair scale which outperforms the competition in all these categories in ease of use, accuracy, ruggedness, and cost.

Laundry Weighing Scales

Equipment used in hospital laundry facilities is much different than what you would see in a consumer’s homes.  Hospitals require large washers and dryers that can handle hundreds of pounds of laundry at a time and run near constantly.

While this equipment is extremely powerful, it is also very expensive.  If a machine breaks down during a busy hospital shift, it means that hospital personnel has to work overtime to keep up with the constant flow of laundry in a hospital.

In hospitals, laundry is often loaded into a cart or trolley and placed on a platform scale.  The scale weighs an entire load of laundry, subtracting the tare weight of the cart to then issue a weight reading.  This reading helps hospital personnel ensure that they’re not overloading laundry machines.

Our Arlyn Series 3200 platform scales, which have no moving parts and are completely digital and priced competitively compared to mechanical scales are ready for the huge amount of laundry needed to be done includes bed linens, hospital gowns, medical scrubs and more.

What Kind Of Technology Do You Want Your Scale To Have?

Most scales have a digital display. Make sure your digital display is easily legible. The better scales have graphics interfaces that display large numbers (the industry average is about 1 inch tall per digit.) This enhances accuracy in your data keeper’s records. You can also purchase software for your scale that works with your office’s network to effectively store the recorded information from the scales. Your office will benefit greatly from this technology, as it enhances efficiency and availability of information, and it is also a greener, more environmentally friendly option for storing patient details

What Specific Features Should You Look For In A Scale?

Water resistance is an important feature in most scales. You want the sensors to be insulated from any kind of damage that may occur. Whether the scale is exposed to elements or a mistake leaves them susceptible to moisture, you want to ensure that the digital sensors and interface will still work

Look for a scale manufacturer that specializes in precision and quality. The scale should be durable, versatile, and worth your investment. Thoroughly research the scales and their attributes, thinking about your specific needs and you won’t be disappointed after your purchase.

Scales for the Medical Industry from Arlyn Scales

Because we manufacture our own equipment, inside and out, we can price this high-end model at nearly a fifty percent savings of other comparable units. With an Arlyn Scale, you know exactly what you are getting: a guaranteed top of the line scale well below market price.

Our knowledgeable staff is at the ready to answer any of your questions and to guide you towards a scale that will provide years of trouble-free service. For a rugged, durable, portable and highly accurate scale for your facility, contact us today!