Class III v IIII: Which approval class do I need?

Which approval class do I need? The approval class of a medical scale provides information about the accuracy with which the measured weight is displayed (digital scale) or read (analogue scale). For medical applications, there are scales with approval classes III and IIII. To diagnose, treat or prescribe using the patient’s weight, class III scales must be used. Also, all paediatric weighing and hospital weighing should be performed using class III scales. Class IIII scales may only be used in Primary Care for monitoring of weight. The basis for the classification of a scale is the capacity divided by the accuracy. The higher this quotient is, the higher the approval class. This means that class III scales can read the weight more accurately than class IIII scales. How do I benefit from approved scales? Whether the scale really determines the weight as accurately as it shows on the display or the circular dial, is ensured by the medical approval. Certified test weights are used to test whether the scale displays the correct value. Medically approved scales ensure that you and your patients can always rely on the results. Calibration tests must be performed at least annually. Never use unapproved or domestic scales in medical establishments, as this breaches medical weighing regulations and – far more important – can have serious life-threatening consequences, especially where drug administration is calculated in relation to body weight. Are digital scales better than mechanical ones? In daily routine digital scales are much more time-saving, accurate and easier to handle than analogue scales. They offer useful functions such as TARE and HOLD and they can be integrated into an EMR system or connected to a PC. Their only disadvantage is that they require batteries or mains power. However, one set of batteries is sufficient for 10,000 weighing’s with a seca flat scale.

Seca 761 - Class IIII Capacity: 150 kg Graduation: 1000 g Analogue dial scale – classic design, no need for battery supply. Can be used in Primary Care for monitoring purposes only	Seca 875 - Class III Capacity: 200 kg Graduation: 200 g Digital scale – gives exact number, more accurate and reduces the risk of staff rounding numbers when reading from a dial face. Can be used for all medical weighing applications