Bariatric Medical Scales
Bariatric medical scales rated from 300kg for accurate obese patient weighing in care homes and NHS settings, with reinforced high-capacity platforms in floor, chair, wheelchair, and bed scale formats, all Class III approved for clinical use.
Bariatric Medical Scales for High-Capacity Clinical Patient Weighing
Clinical Summary: Bariatric medical scales provide Class III approved patient weighing at capacities from 300kg to 500kg and above, accommodating the full range of bariatric patient weights encountered in UK care home and NHS settings. Accurate bariatric weight data is essential for medication dosing, MHRA bariatric pathway documentation, and nutrition monitoring for obese patients across all care environments.
Bariatric Medical Scale Types
- Bariatric Floor Scales: High-capacity reinforced platform scales with wider platform dimensions for stable standing weighing at 300kg to 500kg, accommodating the broader stance width required by bariatric patients during standing weight measurement.
- Bariatric Chair Scales: Reinforced seated weighing scales for non-ambulant bariatric patients, providing accurate high-capacity weights without transfer risk for patients who cannot safely stand on a floor scale. Class III approved for medication dosing across the full bariatric weight range.
- Bariatric Wheelchair Scales: High-capacity drive-on platform scales rated from 300kg for occupied bariatric wheelchair weighing, with extended platform dimensions accommodating wider bariatric wheelchair profiles without patient transfer.
- Bariatric Bed Scales: High-capacity under-bed load cell systems and integrated bed scale options supporting in-bed weighing for immobile bariatric patients in care home and critical care settings where standing or seated transfer is clinically inappropriate.
Clinical Compliance and Bariatric Weighing Standards
Bariatric medical scales supplied by Care Supplies carry Class III approval under the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 across their rated capacity range, and MHRA registration where applicable. Bariatric patient weighing in CQC-registered care homes and NHS settings should be supported by MHRA bariatric pathway documentation including individual risk assessment, appropriate scale selection for the patient mobility level and weight range, and carer manual handling assessment for the weighing procedure. Scale platform dimensions should be confirmed against the patient body profile and any mobility equipment in use, and capacity must be verified against the anticipated patient weight plus any equipment carried during weighing.
| Scale Type | Typical Capacity | Patient Mobility Level | Key Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bariatric Floor Scale | 300kg to 500kg | Ambulant bariatric patients | Class III / NAWI 2016 |
| Bariatric Chair Scale | 300kg to 400kg | Non-ambulant, limited mobility | Class III / NAWI 2016 |
| Bariatric Wheelchair Scale | 300kg and above | Wheelchair-dependent | Class III / NAWI 2016 |
| Bariatric Bed Scale | 300kg to 500kg+ | Immobile, critical care | Class III / MHRA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What capacity bariatric scale do I need for my care home?
A: Scale capacity should exceed the maximum anticipated patient weight with a reasonable safety margin. For most UK care home bariatric patients, a 300kg to 320kg scale covers the majority of presentations. For specialist bariatric units or patients known to exceed 300kg, 400kg or 500kg capacity scales should be specified. Platform dimensions and format should be matched to the patient mobility level and any mobility equipment in use.
Q: Do bariatric medical scales need to be Class III approved for medication dosing?
A: Yes. All medical scales used for medication dosing in UK care homes and NHS settings, including bariatric scales, must carry Class III approval under the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016. Class III approval must cover the full working capacity of the scale — a scale Class III approved to 200kg is not valid for medication dosing at 300kg, even if it physically displays a reading at that weight.