Why Accuracy Still Matters: The Pros and Cons of Ultrasonic Scales in Hospitals
In today’s healthcare environment, where digital technologies continue to transform patient care, ultrasonic height and weight measurement devices have become increasingly common. These systems are fast, contactless, and convenient — but do they deliver the accuracy that healthcare professionals truly need?
Gillian Taylor, Critical Care and General Nurse with over two decades of frontline experience — and inventor of the Marsden PTS (Patient Transfer Scale) — shares her insights on why ultrasonic scales may not always be the best choice for clinical practice.
The Appeal of Ultrasonic Scales
Ultrasonic devices use sound waves to calculate distance, allowing for rapid, non-contact height measurement. Some models also estimate weight by combining height data with pressure sensors. This non-invasive approach is especially attractive in high-footfall areas such as outpatient clinics and community healthcare settings.
Advantages include:
- Speed and Convenience
No manual input or physical contact is needed, offering rapid assessments and reducing time per patient. - Hygiene-Friendly
In a post-COVID world, reducing touchpoints remains vital to minimising infection risks. - User-Friendly
Lightweight, portable, and intuitive to use, with minimal staff training required.
But Are They Accurate Enough?
Despite these advantages, concerns persist among frontline clinicians — particularly in acute settings — about the reliability of ultrasonic measurements.
Gillian Taylor is one of those voices.
“In critical care, every gram matters,” says Gillian. “When monitoring fluid balance or dosing medications by weight, even small inaccuracies can have significant consequences.”
Key issues with ultrasonic systems include:
1. Inconsistent Results in Real-World Conditions
Ultrasonic devices require perfect patient positioning — upright, still, and cooperative.
In reality, many hospital patients are frail, immobile, or unwell, making accurate assessments difficult.
“You end up with guesswork, especially with patients in beds, wheelchairs, or stretchers. That undermines clinical accuracy,” Gillian explains.
2. Environmental Factors Can Distort Readings
Background noise, lighting conditions, and physical movement can all impact ultrasonic readings.
“Wards and corridors are busy, unpredictable environments. These are not controlled conditions, and variables can easily creep in,” she adds.
3. Insufficient Precision for Critical Care
In critical care, high-dependency units, paediatrics, and surgical settings, weight-based medication dosing, anaesthesia planning, and nutrition management all demand exact measurements.
“Being even one or two kilograms out could have serious implications,” warns Gillian. “In critical care, that margin of error is simply unacceptable.”
Why Marsden PTS Offers a Better Alternative
Gillian developed the Marsden PTS specifically to address the challenges she faced in clinical practice.
Unlike ultrasonic systems, the Marsden PTS provides true weight readings without requiring patients to stand or reposition. It allows accurate weighing while patients remain safely on their bed or trolley, minimising the risk of injury and improving workflow efficiency.
Benefits of the Marsden PTS include:
- Accurate weight readings during patient transfers
- Seamless integration into existing hospital processes
- Robust, medical-grade construction for everyday use in busy clinical settings
“I designed the Marsden PTS because I knew what nurses needed — and we weren’t getting it,” Gillian explains. “Patient safety must never rely on guesswork.”
Final Thoughts
Ultrasonic scales undoubtedly have a role in modern healthcare, particularly where speed, hygiene, and minimal contact are priorities. However, in clinical situations where accuracy is critical — such as intensive care, surgical wards, or complex drug regimens — they must be used with caution.
As Gillian concludes:
“Convenience is important — but accuracy saves lives. That’s why, when it comes to patient care, precision must always come first.”