Pelstar LLC, the manufacturer of Health o meter® Professional Scales, was the first industry leader to develop ADA compliant scales aligned with the U.S. Access Board’s new MDE (Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment) Standards. The company has introduced several ADA compliant patient scales, including the first and only scales independently certified for ADA compliance and specifically designed to meet these Standards.
Designed for accessibility and safety
The new 2620KL and 2920KL-AM wheelchair scales were built to meet the needs of all patients, including those with disabilities. Their dual ramps feature a gentle 1:8 slope that allows wheelchairs to easily roll on and off the platform without strain for patients or staff. The large 32” x 40” platform comfortably accommodates most wheelchairs, while 2-inch edge guards prevent accidental roll-offs. The platform’s anti-slip caution tape adds extra safety.
When not in use, the 2620KL and 2920KL-AM platforms fold for compact storage, and the 2620KL’s built-in casters make it easy to transport. The line of Health o meter Professional ADA compliant scales include the 1100KL and 2101KL stand-on scales, which are ideal for ambulatory patients that need additional support and a large platform. With a 1,000 lb / 454 kg capacity, the scales deliver durability and advanced functionality, including BMI calculation, hold/release, tare/pre-tare, Everlock® unit lock, and EMR connectivity via USB or optional Pelstar® wireless technology.
Meeting new accessibility standards
Building on the rugged reliability of Health o meter Professional’s trusted medical scales, the ADA compliant scales introduce enhancements to meet the MDE Standards for Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment. The redesigned ramps of the wheelchair scales now meet the Access Board’s 1:8 slope requirement, while the new 2-inch edge guards and larger platform ensure compliance and patient safety. The compliant stand-on scales feature the required slip-resistant standing surface as well as handrails located between 34”-38” above both sides of the platform.
For facilities, this certification provides peace of mind. “Facilities are more interested in purchasing equipment that has been certified because it gives them assurance their scale complies with U.S. Access Board standards,” the company explained.
Health o meter Professional also offers the 2600ADAKIT, an optional ADA Compliance Kit that can be installed on existing 2600 series scales, allowing hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities to meet the latest accessibility requirements without replacing their entire inventory.
Thoughtful design for real-world use
User feedback shaped the scales’ designs. The display head on the 2620KL and stand-on scales swivels 180 degrees for optimal readability and privacy. For ambulatory patients, the “live” handrails on the 2620KL and the stand-on scales provide support during weighing without affecting accuracy. The 2920KL-AM wheelchair scale’s wall-mounted design makes it an excellent choice for facilities where space is limited and accommodating large equipment is challenging. The remote display can be mounted on either side for flexible setup in any clinical space. All of the ADA compliant scales also feature an antimicrobial keypad, helping reduce cross-contamination risks.
Facilities connecting the Health o meter Professional scales to their vital signs monitors report measurable improvements in workflow and data accuracy. The scale connects directly to the monitor, which transmits measurements to the electronic medical record (EMR), eliminating manual entry and reducing errors.