Lafayette Instrument Small Anthropometer
Professional -Grade Sliding Caliper for Precise Anthropometric Body Measurement
The Lafayette Instrument Small Anthropometer is a precision sliding anthropometric caliper designed for clinicians, researchers, sports scientists, and healthcare professionals who need accurate, repeatable body measurements in a compact, easy-to-handle instrument. Whether you are assessing skeletal structure, tracking patient growth, conducting body composition research, or performing pre-operative evaluations, this caliper delivers the accuracy and reliability your practice demands.
Built from anodized aluminum with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sliding block, measures straight-line distances between two anatomical landmarks with an accuracy of 1 mm — the standard required for clinical and research-grade anthropometry. Its compact 16.75 x 7 inch profile makes it ideal for pediatric assessments, facial measurements, hand and wrist evaluations, and any application where the large 70 cm anthropometer would be excessive. Sliding anthropometric calipers designed to measure a straight-line distance between two landmarks with an accuracy of 1 mm.
Why You Need an Anthropometer
Anthropometry — the scientific measurement of the human body — is a foundational tool across many healthcare and research disciplines. Accurate body measurements are essential for:
- Clinical assessments and patient monitoring in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation settings.
- Sports science and athletic performance analysis, including limb length and skeletal proportions.
- Pediatric growth and development tracking, where millimeter-level accuracy is critical.
- Nutritional assessments and body composition studies in dietetics and public health.
- Orthopedic and prosthetic fitting where precise skeletal measurements determine device sizing.
- Ergonomics and human factors research designing products and workspaces to fit the human body.
- Academic and university research programs in kinesiology, anatomy, and physical anthropology.
The Lafayette Instrument anthropometer eliminates measurement variability, ensures inter-rater reliability, and meets the documentation requirements of clinical and research studies.
Key Features & Unique Benefits
1 mm Clinical-Grade Accuracy
Measures straight-line anatomical distances to within 1 mm — the precision standard required for scientific and clinical anthropometric protocols. Consistent, repeatable readings mean your data is trustworthy across multiple sessions, examiners, and study sites.
Compact & Portable Design
At just 16.75 x 7 x 0.75 inches and weighing only a fraction of full-size anthropometers, the Small Anthropometer travels easily in a lab coat pocket, clinical bag, or field kit. It is purpose-built for measurements up to 30 cm (21.11 cm with tips installed) — perfect for facial, cranial, hand, wrist, and pediatric assessments where a large caliper would be cumbersome.
Durable Anodized Aluminum Construction
The caliper body is crafted from anodized aluminum, a material prized for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability. The smooth anodized finish resists surface wear and maintains scale legibility over years of clinical use.
HDPE Sliding Block for Smooth, Consistent Movement
The sliding block is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a material that glides smoothly along the aluminum track without binding or backlash. This ensures fluid, consistent arm movement so you can position the caliper precisely against anatomical landmarks and read measurements instantly.
Five-Position Tip Compatibility
Optional caliper arm tips can be installed in any of five hole sets along the arms, allowing the instrument to reach recessed or deep anatomical landmarks that flat arm ends cannot access. When tips are installed, simply read the left side of the slider instead of the right — a simple and reliable measurement adjustment.
Easy-to-Read Scale
The linear scale is engraved and calibrated in millimeters for quick, unambiguous readings in any clinical or field environment. No batteries, no digital display failures, no calibration drift — just a simple, durable mechanical scale that works every time.
Easy to Clean & Maintain
The 01291A can be cleaned with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol wipes, making it straightforward to maintain between patients in clinical settings. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide should be avoided to preserve the anodized finish and HDPE components.
Technical Specifications
|
Specification |
Model 01291A (Small) |
Notes |
|
Dimensions |
16.75 × 7 × 0.75 in |
Compact & portable |
|
Max Measurement (no tips) |
30 cm |
Standard anatomical reach |
|
Max Measurement (with tips) |
21.11 cm |
Optional tip accessory |
|
Accuracy |
1 mm |
Clinical-grade precision |
|
Body Material |
Anodized Aluminum |
Lightweight & durable |
|
Sliding Block |
HDPE |
Smooth, corrosion-resistant |
|
Tip Hole Sets |
5 positions |
Adjustable measurement reach |
|
Warranty |
1 Year |
Lafayette Instrument warranty |
|
Manufacturer |
Lafayette Instrument Company |
Lafayette, IN 47904 USA |
How to Use the Small Anthropometer
Following these steps ensures accurate, consistent measurements that meet clinical and research standards:
- Preparation: Have the subject wear minimal clothing to allow clear access to anatomical landmarks.
- Landmark Identification: Identify and mark all anatomical sites to be measured before beginning.
- Body Side: Standard protocol requires measurements be taken from the right side of the body for consistency.
- Grip & Application: Grip the anthropometer with the caliper arms resting against the examiner’s forearms. Apply gentle, consistent pressure, moving the arm ends to the desired landmarks.
- Reading Without Tips: Use the right edge of the slider to read the scale along the base of the caliper.
- Reading With Tips Installed: Screw tips into one of the five hole sets on the caliper arms. When tips are in place, use the left side of the slider to read scale values.
Who Uses the Small Anthropometer?
The Lafayette Instrument is the tool of choice for professionals across a wide range of clinical and scientific fields:
- Physical Therapists & Occupational Therapists — limb and joint assessments
- Sports Scientists & Athletic Trainers — skeletal proportions and athlete profiling
- Dietitians & Nutritionists — body composition research protocols
- Pediatricians & Growth Specialists — child development monitoring
- Orthopedic Surgeons & Prosthetists — pre-operative skeletal measurement
- University & Research Laboratories — kinesiology, anthropology, and human factors studies
- Ergonomics Consultants — workplace and product design anthropometric data collection
Small Anthropometer Measurement Instrument User Manual
