MUAC Z-Score Tape

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1.       Your Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) z-score tapes may arrive individually or in sets containing one 2-sided infant tool and one 2-sided child tool.  If it comes as a set, you will want to separate the individual tapes.

2.      Familiarize yourself with the key that orients you to the age group, the colors and the markings.  Note that the 2 green arrow heads represent the zero-end of the tape measure, and this is where you read the patient’s MUAC measurement and z-score.  To measure, slide the tail end of the tape into slit “A” and back out through slit “B” to create a loop.

3.      Identify the midpoint of the upper arm between the acromion and the olecranon process (between the shoulder cap and elbow) and slide the loop of the device up to the midpoint (the ruler on the tape can be used to assist with this process).  You should make sure that the elbow is fully extended (in other words, that the arm is straight and hanging down at side) before measuring.  Pull the tail end of the tape until it is snug but does not compress the skin to read the MUAC measure and z-score.

4.       Identify the color band corresponding to the specific age of the patient.  In the example below, the MUAC is 16.6 cm.  This measure correlates the age-based MUAC in centimeters with nutrition risk categories based on the z-score, visually represented by color coded lines.

Example of MUAC z-score ranges when measured at 16.6 cm:

Note:  Your MUAC z-score tapes are for multi-use.  Discontinue use if degradation occurs.

Reference table for z-score ranges on tape:

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