Height and Weight Scales

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in Clinical Research

Within a clinical research setting, there can be varying definition applied to devices intended to take weight measurements. The following is our interpretation of these device terms and intended use.

Scales are used to capture subject weight, expected accuracy of values to nearest 0.1kg. We typically see them used in a clinical setting such as a check-in, screening area or study floor.

Balances are used for weighing samples / specimen (such as urine, faeces, etc.), expected accuracy to the nearest 0.1g. Typically we see them used in a lab areas.

High precision balances are typically for weighing minute quantities of drug or other medical product related substances, but may also be used to weigh reagents, preservatives etc. and for performing calibration exercises (of e.g pipettes). They may be accurate to the nearest 0.001g. We see them in pharmacy and lab settings.The preferred models of scales in clinical research also have a ‘stick’ (stadiometer) for measuring height simultaneously. Both height and weight parameters can be imported into a ClinSpark form. BMI can be calculated automatically from those imported parameters.

Device manufacturers may also market their products in similar terms, for example Seca, which sells products within categories of scales, height & weight stations, measuring systems, etc. Mettler & Sartorius sell weight scales and balances specifically intended for laboratory use.

Seca Scales

We commonly see our early phase customers using Seca scales for their high accuracy, ease of use, and integration capabilities. Some of their models can capture both height and weight values.

ClinSpark supports a direct interface with scales that contain a RS-232 serial port, when combined with the Seca 460 RS-232 Adapter. These ‘direct’ configurations offer a straightforward integration to ClinSpark. Unfortunately, Seca no longer officially supports and sells the RS232 adapter and scales supporting the direct interface, so this solution is more difficult to implement for sites looking to purchase equipment direct from Seca.

ClinSpark however does support a wireless HL7 interface with Seca with scales connected using the Seca 456 wireless adapter and accompanying Seca EMR Flash 101 software. We’ve seen customers succeed in this when using scales like the Seca 634.

Customers are encouraged to reach out to Foundry Health IQVIA if there are questions about Seca scale compatibilities with both the wired and wireless integrations.

Laboratory Balances

Sartorious

Sartorius scales and balances are high precision, typically used in labs. We commonly see them used to measure weight for urine PK.

ClinSpark supports a direct interface with Sartorius devices. Connections are established between data collection PCs and compatible scales via way of a data interface cable, such as the YCC01-USBM2. Some Sartorius devices are only capable of direct connection using their own interface cable, so customers are encouraged to verify what their specific model supports.

For customers needing a Sartorius scale for interval weight workflows, we suggest looking into the Entris models, which currently support both RS232 and USB interface capabilities.