Background: A range of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) Measuring Tapes are available through UNICEF Supply Division. MUAC tapes are predominately used to measure the upper arm circumference of children but also that of pregnant women, helping identify malnutrition. There are different types of MUAC tape available.
How do you measure mid-upper arm circumference with a tape measure?
To measure:
- Bend the left arm, find and mark with a pen the olecranon process and acromium.
- Mark the mid-point between these two marks.
- With the arm hanging straight down, wrap a MUAC tape around the arm at the midpoint mark.
- Measure to the nearest 1 mm.
What is a MUAC tape?
About. A range of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measuring tapes are available through UNICEF. MUAC tapes are predominately used to measure the upper arm circumference of children but also that of pregnant women, helping identify malnutrition.
How do you read a MUAC tape?
MUAC of between 125mm (12.5cm) and 135mm (13.5cm), YELLOW COLOUR, indicates that the child is at risk for acute malnutrition and should be counselled and followed-up for Growth Promotion and Monitoring (GPM). MUAC over 135mm (13.5cm), GREEN COLOUR, indicates that the child is well nourished.
What is the meaning of mid upper arm circumference?
Definition: MUAC is a measure to assess nutritional status. It is measured on a straight left arm, mid-way between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow. It identifies acute malnutrition and is commonly used in children 6-59 months of age as well as pregnant women.
What is the use of MUAC?
What is it? Mid-upper arm circumference, often shortened to MUAC, is a measurement that allows health workers to quickly determine if a patient is acutely malnourished. PIH, as well as many other organizations, measures the circumference of a patient’s arm at the midpoint between his or her shoulder and elbow.
What is a normal MUAC?
[6] MUAC is a useful indicator of malnutrition that can be used in ill patients (normal MUAC >23 cm in males, >22 cm in females).
What is the meaning of mid-upper arm circumference?
How do you measure MUAC?
Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is the circumference of the mid-upper arm. It is measured on a straight left arm (in right-handed people) midway between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow.
What is the normal range of MUAC?
What is the importance of mid upper arm circumference?
Mid-upper arm circumference, often shortened to MUAC, is a measurement that allows health workers to quickly determine if a patient is acutely malnourished. PIH, as well as many other organizations, measures the circumference of a patient’s arm at the midpoint between his or her shoulder and elbow.
What is MUAC tape used to measure?
MUAC tapes are predominately used to measure the upper arm circumference of children but also that of pregnant women, helping identify malnutrition. There are different types of MUAC tape available. All are graduated in millimetres and some are colour coded (red, yellow and green) to indicate the nutritional status of a child or adult.
What is the purpose of tape on the upper arm?
This increases the probability of the table covering the mid point of the upper arm and reduces the effect of over-pulling. The tape is double sided. One side is for use with children with thresholds marked for moderate and severe wasting and low chest-circumference in neonates).
How do you measure the MUAC of your arm?
How to measure MUAC. Figure 2: Measuring MUAC. MUAC is the circumference of the left upper arm and is measured at the mid-point between the tips of the shoulder and elbow. To measure: Bend the left arm, find and mark with a pen the olecranon process and acromium. Mark the mid-point between these two marks.
What does the colour of the MUAC strip indicate?
MUAC over 135mm (13.5cm), GREEN COLOUR, indicates that the child is well nourished. MSF has developed a new universal MUAC strip which is awaiting field validation The tape is 25 mm wide. This increases the probability of the table covering the mid point of the upper arm and reduces the effect of over-pulling. The tape is double sided.
