Detecto 6856 Digital Bariatric Scale
INTRODUCTION
The balanced construction and built-in wheels of the American-made bariatric scale from Detecto make it quite simple to transport. Crafted for peak performance and equipped with an RS232 serial connection for data transmission to an EMR or EHR. This is ideal for measuring obese or unsteady people due to its platform’s 24-inch square size and stainless steel hand grips.
SPCIFICATION
- PLATFORM SIZE: 18” x 14” / 46 cm x 36 cm, 24” x 24” / 61 cm x 61 cm
- SHIPPING WEIGHT: 70 lb / 32 kg, 85 lb / 39 kg
- SCALE HEIGHT:69” / 106 cm
- DISPLAY:7” / 17.8 mm high-contrast LCD
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
- Remove staples or cut along bottom of carton. Lift carton off pallet.
- Check for any damage incurred in shipping. If scale has been damaged, place a claim with the carrier. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to file all claims for any damages or loss incurred during transit. Use the original carton and shipping material to return the scale.
- Cut packing straps securing scale to pallet.
- To remove scale from pallet, at the back of the scale lift up with equal force from the column and at the platform base near the wheels on the scale. Set gently on floor.
- Remove all plastic wrapping, foam fillers and cardboard material from the scale.
- Remove and unpack the power supply and cord, if the scale was ordered with this option.
CARE AND CLEANING OF SCALE
- DO NOT subject the platform to sudden shocks.
- DO NOT submerge indicator in water, pour or spray water directly on indicator.
- DO NOT use acetone, thinner or other volatile solvents for cleaning.
- DO NOT expose scale to temperature extremes.
- DO NOT place scale in front of heating/cooling vents.
- DO NOT place scale in an area where it might be exposed to moisture.
- DO clean the indicator with a damp soft cloth and mild non-abrasive detergent.
- DO remove power before cleaning with a damp cloth.
- DO provide clean AC power and adequate protection against lightning damage.
- DO keep the surroundings clear to provide clean and adequate air circulation.
INDICATOR INSTALLATION
To install the indicator on the scale column bracket, place the screw heads on the back of the indicator into the large end of the slotted holes in the bracket. Pull down to secure the indicator. The spring plunger will lock the indicator to the bracket. See Figures No. 1, 2 and 3.
Batteries
The scale can be operated from 6 “AA” size Alkaline, Ni-Cad or NiMH batteries (not included). You must first obtain and install batteries before operations can begin. Batteries are contained in a battery holder inside the scale indicator. Access is via a removable panel on the back of the indicator. When using batteries, all 6 batteries must be of the same type. They must be all Alkaline, Ni-Cad or all NiMH. In addition, DO NOT mix Ni-Cad or NiMH batteries.
CAUTION! The scale indicator has internal circuitry that when used in conjunction with the external power supply, recharges the Ni-Cad or NiMH batteries. Because the indicator has this charging capability, DO NOT connect a power supply to the indicator if using Alkaline batteries.
Optional AC Power Supply
To power the scale without batteries, connect the 12 VDC, 1 Amp power supply’s (Cardinal part number 6800-1045) connector into the power jack on lower back of indicator and then plug the power supply into the proper electrical outlet. See Figure 1. On models requiring 220 VAC, it is the customer’s responsibility to obtain the correct power adapter plug. The scale is now ready for operation.
Battery Installation/Replacement
To install or remove the batteries, the following steps should be followed:
- Remove indicator from scale or desk stand/wall mount bracket if used.
- Turn the indicator so that the display is facing away from you.
- Locate the rectangular panel on back of indicator.
- To install or replace the batteries, first remove the battery holder cover by pushing in on the tab and lifting it up. Refer to Figure No. 4.
- If installing new batteries, proceed to step 6. If replacing the batteries, remove all 6 batteries from the battery holder and then proceed to step 6.
- Install the 6 new “AA” size batteries in the battery holder, noting the polarity markings located in the battery holder. Refer to Figure No. 5.
- After placing all 6 batteries in the holder, replace the battery cover.
- Make sure power supply is unplugged, and then turn indicator over (display facing up) and press ON / OFF key.
- If display turns on, batteries have been installed correctly. If not, remove panel and check for one or more improperly positioned batteries.
- Return the indicator to desk stand/wall mount bracket if used.
- The scale is now ready for operation.
OPERATION
DO NOT operate the keypad with pointed objects (pencils, pens, etc). Damage to keypad resulting from this practice is NOT covered under warranty.
To Weigh
- Set scale on any hard, level, flat surface or low-cut carpet.
- Press ON / OFF key to turn on indicator.
- Press ZERO key to zero weight display. The ZERO and lb or kg annunciator will turn on to show that scale is ready for use.
- Place patient on scale and read weight display.
- Remove patient from scale.
Zero Weight Display
- If the indicator is not showing zero weight on the display, press ZERO key.
- Weight display will return to zero. ZERO, STABLE and lb or kg annunciators will turn on to show a stable, center-of-zero weight condition.
Metric Conversion
Press UNITS key to toggle between pounds and kilograms. Note that lb or kg annunciator will turn on to show which weighing unit is active.
To Weigh and Calculate BMI
- Press ON / OFF key to turn on indicator.
- Press ZERO key to zero weight display. The ZERO and lb or kg annunciator will turn on to show that scale is ready for use.
- Place patient on scale and read weight display.
- Press BMI / ENTER key.
- If pounds is the active weighing unit, display will change to show 5 FEET, 6 INCHES with the 6 blinking. (The blinking character is the position to be changed).
- If kilograms is the active weighing unit, display will change to show 170 cm. with the 0 of 170 blinking. (The blinking character is the position to be changed)…
- Press BMI / ENTER key.
- Read BMI on display.
- Remove patient from scale.
- Press BMI / ENTER key to return to weighing operation.
HEIGHT ROD INSTRUCTIONS
Height Rod Hole Location
- Please check Height Rod hole locations before installing Height Rod.
- Some models may require holes to be drilled.
- Please follow the measurements for drilling holes if necessary.
- After holes have been drilled, please follow installation instructions.
- Install the two (2) #10 x ½” hex head screws from the hardware pack into the column.
IMPORTANT!
Measure from top of scale base.
Height Rod Installation Instructions
- Remove Height Rod from shipping container. Inspect the unit for signs of damage. Contact our Customer Service Department if necessary.
- Loosen screws located on front of scale column. Place height rod brackets over screws and pull down; securing brackets. Tighten screws as needed.
NOTE! The Indicator must be facing away from the scale platform to install the height rod.
Height Rod Operation
- Raise the inner rod of the telescoping column.
- Lift up the spoon and lower the inner rod until the spoon rests on the patient’s head.
CAUTION! Do not raise or lower Height Rod by spoon tip!
- Read the correct height measurement on the inner rod at the top of the outer rod.
PART IDENTIFICATION

STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY
Detecto Scale warrants its equipment to be free from defects in material and workmanship as follows: Detecto warrants to the original purchaser only that it will repair or replace any part of equipment which is defective in material or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment. Detecto shall be the sole judge of what constitutes a defect.
During the first ninety (90) days Detecto may choose to supply all necessary replacement parts and service during normal weekday working hours at no charge to the buyer.
After the first ninety (90) days Detecto will supply parts and service at the job site provided the owner agrees to pay the Dealer for all travel time, including mileage and test equipment, as well as any expenses incurred over the direct labor of the technician at the job site. This limited warranty honors only labor performed by Detecto authorized dealers.
This warranty does not apply to peripheral equipment not manufactured by Detecto; this equipment will be covered by certain manufacturers’ warranty only.
This warranty does not include replacement of expendable or consumable parts. This does not apply to any item which has deteriorated or damaged due to wear, accident, misuse, abuse, improper line voltage, overloading, theft, lightning, fire, water or acts of God, or due to extended storage or exposure while in purchaser’s possession. This warranty does not apply to maintenance service. Purchased parts will have a ninety (90) day repair or replacement warranty only.
Detecto may require components be returned to the factory; they must be properly packed and shipping charges prepaid. A return authorization number must be obtained for all returns and marked on the outside of all returned packages. Detecto accepts no responsibility for loss or damage in transit.
Conditions Which Void Limited Warranty
This warranty shall not apply to equipment which:
- Has been tampered with, defaced, mishandled or have had repairs and modifications not authorized by Detecto.
- Has had serial number altered, defaced, or removed.
- Has not been grounded according to Detecto’s recommended procedure.
Freight Carrier Damage
Claims for equipment damaged in transit must be referred to the freight carrier in accordance with freight carrier regulations.
This warranty sets forth the extent of our liability for breach of any warranty or deficiency in connection with the sale or use of the product. Detecto will not be liable for consequential damages of any nature, including but not limited to, loss of profit, delays or expenses, whether based on tort or contract. Detecto reserves the right to incorporate improvements in material and design without notice and is not obligated to incorporate improvements in equipment previously manufactured.
The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied including any warranty that extends beyond the description of the product including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This warranty covers only those Detecto products installed in the forty-eight (48) contiguous continental United States.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Detecto scale accurate?
Digital precision balance scales from DETECTO are designed for extremely accurate weighing applications and have an accuracy of 10 milligrams.
What is a bariatric scale?
A bariatric scale is a scale designed specifically for those who are obese. In order to make bariatric patients as comfortable and as easy to move as possible, several bariatric equipment are specially designed.
Are mechanical weight scales accurate?
Bathroom scales that are digital rather than mechanical offer better accuracy. But every bathroom scale needs to be set up properly and used consistently for the most accurate result.
What is the scale for morbidly obese?
A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher, with obesity-related health issues is said to have class III obesity, formerly known as morbid obesity.
Do digital scales actually work?
Although the body fat scales you can purchase online are secure and practical, “According to Dr. Woolcott, studies on these devices are unreliable since they are examined on a tiny sample size. “The scales significantly under- or over-estimate body fat percentage.