MID-UPPER ARM CIRCUMF. TAPE(MUAC) Mother-Infant 230mm, PP,En
Valid Article
OC subscriptions: included in supply or field order tools (e.g. UniField)
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OC validations: approved for procurement and use by an OC for international or local orders specifying context and activity in Medical Standard Lists (MSL)
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SC subscriptions: included in supply or field tools
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MID-UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE TAPE (MUAC) Mother-Infant
Definition
Device for measuring the Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) with one side for infants aged 6 weeks to 6 months, and other side for mothers.
Used for rapid screening of nutritional status of infants and Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Girls (PBWG).
Can also be used for Infant Head Circumference measurements.
Specifications
Technical specifications
- Tear-resistant polypropylene, washable
- Materials used are free from phthalates, heavy metals and other dangerous substances
- Tape width: ± 17 mm
- 3 incisions to facilitate tape insertion and fixation, including place indicator with red arrows for measurement reading
- Multicolour tape with a reading window
- Graduations every 1 mm
- Reusable
- User instructions on the tape
- Language: English
Double-sided Mother-Infant MUAC, measuring tape:
lnfant MUAC side:
- Measuring range up to 50 cm
- 2 coloured sections (violet and green) for values 110 mm and above
- Cut-off point for at risk of poor growth and development: 110 mm
- Pictorial and text instructions (in black}, including guidance that the tape can also be used for Head Circumference measurements.
Mother MUAC side:
- Measuring range up to 41.5 cm
- 2 coloured sections (dark blue and green) for values 230 mm and above
- Cut-off point for at risk of poor birth outcomes: 230 mm
- Pictorial and text instructions (in black).
Instructions for use
The brachial circumference is always measured on the left arm, at the midpoint between the shoulder and the elbow. The arm should be in relaxed position alongside the body.
- Place the strip in position, following the arrows to create a bracelet.
- Slide the tape over the wrist of the child or PBWG and position it halfway up the arm.
- Adjust the tape to fit snugly around the middle of the arm, ensuring it is neither too tight nor too loose.
- Read the number indicated at the arrows.
MSF requirements
Model developed by UNICEF and WHO in 2024.
The Mother-Infant Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape is a simple yet powerful screening tool used to identify at-risk mothers/caregivers and infants, so they can be referred for further assessment and care. The tape allows for both the mother/caregiver and infant to be screened at the same time. It should likewise be used for all pregnant women and girls.
This version includes infant cut-offs for those aged six weeks and above.
Two versions are available, with 21cm or 23cm cut-offs for PBWG. The choice of cut-off will depend on operational decision-making in addition to national policies and protocols. This version is designed for use in contexts where the 23cm cut-off is used.
The tape can also be used in nutritional surveys and rapid assessments, helping ensure that infants under 6 months and pregnant women and girls - populations that are often excluded - are appropriately considered in emergency planning and interventions.