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Scales in the health sector

Measurement results are important in the health sector. Weight and other measurements form the basis for further treatment of patients and for health checks, as well as in connection with mapping and counselling in public health, nutrition and physical activity.

Trust in correct measurements is important both for the individual and for health professionals.

In the health sector, scales are used in several contexts, including:

  • child health clinics and school health services
  • medical practices and doctors’ surgeries
  • hospitals
  • pharmacies
  • the pharmaceutical industry

Requirements have been established for the use of personal scales employed to determine mass in medical practice when weighing patients for the purpose of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment.

The following provisions apply specifically to medical scales:

  • To determine mass in medical practice when weighing patients for the purpose of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment, class III scales, or more accurate scales, must be used. For personal scales, class IIII scales are permitted.
  • To determine mass in the preparation of prescription medicines in pharmacies, and to determine mass in analyses carried out in medical and pharmaceutical laboratories, class II scales, or more accurate scales, must be used. New scales must undergo conformity assessment in accordance with the applicable directives, and the supplier must provide a declaration of conformity.

It is recommended that regular self-checks of the scale be carried out. A self-check may be performed by verifying that the scale is zeroed and placed on a flat and stable surface. Lack of zeroing is a fairly common error, but one that can easily be avoided. The zero button on the scale is most often found on the display and is marked with the symbol >0<. In addition, adjustment of the scale can be verified using standardised weights.

The Norwegian Metrology Service inspects medical scales on request or in connection with market surveillance. See our services ⬇️

Do you need documented verification of your measuring instruments – at a time that suits you?

The Norwegian Metrology Service offers on-request verification as one of our services. As a neutral third party, we can carry out verification and in-use inspections and issue documentation. We have the equipment and expertise to help your enterprise meet the requirements for measurements.

See our services

Frequently asked questions

How are summons, decisions and receipts from the Norwegian Metrology Service sent?


In connection with supervision of measuring instruments, the Norwegian Metrology Service sends summons, decisions and receipts digitally via Altinn. This follows from the Digitalisation Circular (Digitaliseringsrundskrivet), which requires businesses to receive digital correspondence from public authorities.

How do I find correspondence from the Norwegian Metrology Service in Altinn?
  1. Select the correct enterprise/profile when logging in to Altinn, in the top right corner.
  2. Check that you have the role “Post/Archive” for the enterprise you represent.
  3. Look in folders such as “Archived” and “Deleted messages” – the correspondence may have been moved.
  4. If you still cannot find the correspondence, contact Altinn user service:
    • Telephone: 75 00 60 00
    • www.altinn.no
Are weighing instruments used in healthcare subject to supervision?


Yes. Requirements are set for weighing instruments used to determine mass in medical practice for weighing patients for the purposes of monitoring, diagnosis and medical treatment. The requirements are given in the Regulation on Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments. In the health sector, weighing instruments are used in several contexts, including:

• Health stations and school health services
• Doctors’ offices and medical practices
• Hospitals
• Pharmacies
• The pharmaceutical industry

Does supervision involve costs?


Many of the Norwegian Metrology Service’s supervision areas are financed via annual fees paid by the relevant industry. Other actors will receive an invoice after supervision. You can find pricing information here.

Which measuring instruments are subject to supervision?


All measuring instruments used for financial settlement in trade and industry – for example, scales, fuel dispensers, and water meters – are subject to supervision.

What must I do after a supervision?


If nonconformities are found, you will receive guidance on what must be corrected, a deadline for remediation, and information on any fees.

What happens during a supervision?


Supervision may involve checking the measuring instrument or the measurement process, providing information on correct use, and guidance on the regulations. After supervision, the enterprise receives a report or a decision.

Why does the Norwegian Metrology Service carry out supervision of measuring instruments?


Supervision ensures that measuring instruments used in trade and industry provide correct and fair measurements – for the benefit of both consumers and businesses.

 

Phone:
64 84 84 84

E-mail:
postmottak@justervesenet.no

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