How to Measure Mid Arm Circumference? I MUAC I Anthropometry I Easy Learning I Best Video to Learn

What is Mid Upper Arm Circumference? (MUAC)
Why to measure MUAC?
How to Measure MUAC?
Complete Procedure Step by Step
Interpretation and Normal Values
For Infants, Children, Adults and Pregnant Women.
Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)
MUAC stands for Mid-Upper Arm Circumference. It's a simple and non-invasive way to assess nutritional status, particularly in children under five.
Why Measure MUAC?
Quick and Easy: MUAC is a fast and easy way to screen for malnutrition, especially in resource-limited settings.
Reliable Indicator: Muscle and fat mass in the upper arm are good indicators of overall nutritional health.
Early Detection: Early detection of malnutrition allows for prompt intervention and improved outcomes.
How to Measure MUAC:
Materials: You'll need a MUAC tape, which has color-coded sections indicating different nutritional categories.
Positioning: Let the child sit or stand comfortably with their arm relaxed at their side.
Locating the Spot: Find the midpoint of the upper arm between the tip of the shoulder and the elbow bend.
Taking the Measurement: Wrap the MUAC tape snugly but not too tight around the mid-upper arm at the identified spot. Ensure the tape is level and read the measurement at the designated window.
Recording: Record the MUAC measurement and compare it to the reference values on the MUAC tape or a separate chart.
Important Note: It's crucial to use the correct MUAC tape for the age group being measured.
Interpretation and Normal Values:
MUAC tapes typically have color-coded sections with specific cut-off points for different nutritional statuses. Here's a general guideline:
Green: Normal nutritional status.
Yellow: Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) - Requires close monitoring and potential dietary interventions.
Red: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) - Requires immediate medical attention.
Normal MUAC values can vary depending on age and sex.
For Infants (under 6 months): There's limited data on using MUAC for this age group. Weight-for-length or weight-for-age z-scores are preferred methods.
For Children (6 months to 5 years): Specific MUAC cut-off points are established for this age group.
For Adults and Pregnant Women: MUAC is less commonly used for adults and pregnant women, but it can be a supplementary indicator in some situations. Specific cut-off points may apply depending on the context.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper interpretation of MUAC measurements and any necessary follow-up actions.