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MUAC Measurement Procedures Guide

This document provides instructions for measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) using a MUAC tape. It describes how to calibrate and check the MUAC tape, the different types of tapes, and the proper procedure for measuring and recording MUAC. The key steps are locating the mid-point of the upper arm, positioning the tape correctly at the mid-point with one hand planted, wrapping the tape around the arm with the other hand while keeping it planted, and reading the measurement to the nearest millimeter. Common errors like measuring the wrong arm or estimating the mid-point are also outlined.

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Maharu Mathewos
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110 views15 pages

MUAC Measurement Procedures Guide

This document provides instructions for measuring mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) using a MUAC tape. It describes how to calibrate and check the MUAC tape, the different types of tapes, and the proper procedure for measuring and recording MUAC. The key steps are locating the mid-point of the upper arm, positioning the tape correctly at the mid-point with one hand planted, wrapping the tape around the arm with the other hand while keeping it planted, and reading the measurement to the nearest millimeter. Common errors like measuring the wrong arm or estimating the mid-point are also outlined.

Uploaded by

Maharu Mathewos
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module 3D

Anthropometric
Measurements:
MUAC

Module 3D
Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, you will be able to:


 Calibrate a MUAC tape.
 Use a MUAC tape to measure the mid upper
arm circumference.

Module 3D
Calibration of Measurement Tools

Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape


 Calibrate MUAC tape with pipe that has a

known circumference beginning of survey.


 Always look for bends or kinks in the MUAC
tape everyday.

Module 3D
Types of MUAC Tape

Some MUAC tapes only have one


hole. Feed the MUAC tape
through the same hole that is
used to read the measurement.

Also note – not all tapes have


colours indicating normal, moderate
and severe malnutrition.
Module 3D
Types of MUAC Tape

Certain MUAC tapes


measure to the closest
2mm (not 1mm).
Record the number in
the box that is
completely visible in
the middle window.

Module 3D
MUAC Tape
Align end of
shoulder here

Pull Some MUAC tapes have


MUAC two holes. Feed the tape
through through the small hole.
Read here Read the measurement in
MUAC the big hole (window).
Here

Module 3D
Measuring MUAC

Module 3D
Measuring Mid-point
1. Explain procedure to the child’s mother or caretaker.
2. Ensure that the child is not wearing any clothing on
their left arm.
3. If possible, the child should stand straight and
sideways to the measurer.
4. Bend the child’s left arm at 90 degrees to the body.
5. Place the MUAC tape window (0 cm) at the AC joint on
the upper arm and find the mid-point of the upper
arm. The mid-point is between the tip of the shoulder
and the elbow.
6. Mark with a pen the mid-upper arm point using the
measurer’s free hand.
Module 3D
Measuring MUAC
7. Ask child to relax arm so it is hanging by their side.
8. Using both hands place the MUAC tape window (0 cm) on the
mid-point.
9. While keeping the left hand planted, wrap the MUAC tape
around the outside of the arm with the right hand.
10. Plant the right hand and feed the MUAC tape through the
hole in the tape while keeping the right hand planted on the arm.
11. Pull the tape until it fits securely around the arm while
keeping the right hand planted.
12. Read and record the measurement at the window of the
MUAC tape to the nearest millimetre (mm).
13. If a child has a MUAC <115mm a referral form must be filled
out so that the child can receive treatment.

Module 3D
Key Points Measuring Midpoint

 Arm is 90 degrees.
 Ensure MUAC tape window (0 cm) is placed over
AC joint and make an imaginary line through the
tip of the elbow.
 Keep top hand planted over AC joint when
marking mid point.

Module 3D
Key Points Measuring MUAC

 Ensure MUAC tape window (0 cm) is placed over


mid point pen mark and is NOT removed until
after MUAC measurement is recorded.
 Always keep one hand gripping the MUAC tape
and child’s arm as the tape is being wrapped
around.

Module 3D
Common MUAC mistakes

 Measuring MUAC on the right arm.


 Estimating (rather than measuring) the mid-point of
the upper arm.
 Bending the MUAC tape when measuring the
midpoint.
 Not measuring the midpoint from the tip of the
shoulder to the elbow bend.
 Pulling the MUAC tape too tight.
 Not pulling the MUAC tape tight enough (too slack).
 Not reading the tape accurately (to nearest mm).
Module 3D
Exercise
Find the errors in the following photos

Module 3D
Module 3D
15
Module 3D

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