Weighing medicines and solutions in a pharmaceutical environment is a whole different ballgame from most applications. Precision measurements of minute amounts, such as grams and milliliters, are not just a luxury but a life-saving necessity. As a pharmacist, if you mix your intravenous (IV) solution improperly, your patient’s blood cells can burst, or contrarily, the concentration can be so high that the blood cell is straight-jacketed, impeding its proper function.
At Arlyn Scales, we understand the critical importance of precision laboratory measurement in the pharmaceutical sector. Because we’re dedicated to providing high-quality measurement solutions, we’ve become the supplier for many reputable pharmaceutical companies.
In this guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about pharmaceutical scales, exploring their types, features, and applications that cater to both sanitary and precision requirements in pharmaceutical production.
Precision Laboratory Measurement with the Right Scales
In pharmaceutical manufacturing and dispensing, the smallest discrepancy in weight measurements can have significant consequences. Precision and accuracy are not just desirable qualities but absolute necessities in this field. Pharmaceutical scales, or drug scales, are designed to meet these high standards, ensuring that each component and final product adheres to the exact specifications required for safe and effective pharmaceuticals.
The implications of inaccuracies in pharmaceutical scales are far-reaching. A slight error in the weight of an active ingredient can lead to ineffective or even harmful medications. Similarly, in pill counting and packaging, accuracy is paramount to ensure that patients receive the correct dosage. The demand for precision laboratory applications in the pharmaceutical industry underscores the need for scales that deliver consistently reliable results.
Arlyn Scales offers a range of scales and balances that meet these stringent demands, ensuring sanitary pharmaceutical production lines and compliance with advanced pharmaceutical standards. Over the decades, we have developed unbeatable, advanced weighing technology to bring you the highest level of precision possible. In fact, our scales are trusted by well-known pharmaceutical companies like Bayer.
Types of Pharmacy Scales and Balances
There are many types of scales and balances used in the pharmaceutical industry, but the three we recommend are the Arlyn Ultra Precision scale, Large Ultra Precision Scale, and Parts Counting Scales. All three of these scales give precise measurements and they’re built to stand up to the wear and tear that comes with manufacturing pharmaceuticals.
Ultra Precision Scales
Arlyn’s Ultra Precision Scales are a weighing technology breakthrough and are over 10 times more sensitive than standard strain gauge scales which makes them perfect for precision laboratory use. On top of this, they are more durable than traditional scales and can withstand a range of environments, including any that involve liquids. These scales use an all digital Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) transducer that can have a sensitivity requirement of .0001lb and provide accuracy between 0.01% and 0.005%.
Large Ultra Precision Scales
Our Large Ultra Precision Scales use the same amazing technology as our Ultra Precision Scales but feature larger load cells to accommodate bigger capacities. These 1000 lb capacity scales give a sensitivity of 0.01 lb compared to the standard 1000 lb scales that only offer a resolution of 0.2 lb. These scales are made to be used in rugged environments, and they can accept up to 2.5 times the rated load without damage.
Parts Counting Scales
The pharmaceutical industry also involves a lot of counting, whether it’s pills for clients, inventory, large manufacturing plans, or something else. Our Parts Counting Scale can help you save time. Once you figure out the weight of one pill, you can add a large number of them to the scale and it will determine how many pills there are based on the weight. With our extremely accurate technology, you know you’re getting a precise count.
Key Features to Consider in Pharmaceutical Scales
Accuracy and Precision
High accuracy and precision in pharmacy scales are critical to ensure that every measurement aligns perfectly with the stringent standards required for pharmaceutical products. Whether it’s for research, formulation, or pill counting, the precision of these scales directly impacts the efficacy and safety of medications.
User-Friendly Interface
In the fast-paced environment of pharmaceutical production, the ease of use of display and control units on scales can significantly enhance efficiency. A user-friendly interface reduces the likelihood of operational errors, ensuring smooth and accurate measurements. It also facilitates quick training for new staff, allowing for seamless integration into any pharmaceutical setting. A scale with an intuitive design is not just a tool but a partner in achieving precise laboratory applications.
Logging Pharmaceutical Weighing Data
Our scales offer a variety of methods for logging and weighing data, including USB, ethernet, RS-232, and more. You can upgrade to the Arlyn UpScale, which makes it easy to log and record data. This touchscreen display indicator enables you to record weighing data with a USB Data Logger. Simply plug a thumb drive into the scale, and thousands of data records (including weight, time, group, and item information) will be taken. You can then download your data onto a spreadsheet or database. You can even record and log data with Google Sheets.
Get Your Weighing Laboratory Equipment From Arlyn Scales
Arlyn Scales has been a leader in the design and development of weighing technology for more than 30 years. We pride ourselves on bringing you the best quality at the utmost value. Because we are factory direct, you can provide unbeatable prices. Plus, all our scales are made in the USA. If you have any questions about our pharmaceutical scales or would like to discuss a custom solution for your business, please contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to help.
