MUAC Tape - Mid Upper Arm Circumference
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Early identification of acute malnutrition is essential for timely nutritional intervention and improved health outcomes. The MUAC Tape provides a simple, low-cost method for healthcare workers to quickly assess nutritional status without requiring scales or other specialized equipment, making it particularly valuable in low-resource and emergency settings.
Product Features
- Rapid screening for acute malnutrition
- Identifies Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)
- Updated to current UNICEF MUAC standards
- Durable polyethylene construction
- Wipeable and reusable
- Color-coded measurement zones for quick interpretation
- Child and adolescent/pregnancy versions available
- Suitable for field, clinic, and community use
The Challenge: Early Detection of Acute Malnutrition
Globally, 6.2% of children are malnourished, defined as "children under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months."(WHO 2012). In humanitarian settings quick triage to determine the level of malnutrition is needed and can save lives. Mid-upper arm circumference has been researched extensively and is found to be an accurate indicator of level of malnutrition in children ages 6 to 60 months. More recently mid-upper arm circumference is used to measure malnutrition in pregnant women as well.
THE SOLUTION
UNICEF recommends RUTF (ready to use therapeutic foods) for children with a mid arm circumference of 11.5 cm or below (indicating severe acute malnutrition). This tricolor single slotted measuring tape is wrapped around the upper arm and threaded through the slot to determine the circumference of the child's upper arm. Red signifies severe malnourishment. (0 – 26 cm X 0.1 cm)
The MUAC tape is sturdy and wipeable to sterilize, made of bendable polyethylene. The Mid-upper arm circumference tape has been updated according to UNICEF standards which put severe malnutrition at 11.5 cm and moderate malnutrition at 11.5 to 12.5 cm (less than 115 mm). According to UNICEF guidelines, children with a mid arm circumference of less than 11.5 cm have a higher risk of death.
Clinical Applications
The MUAC Tape is suitable for:
- Community nutrition screening
- Child health programs
- Maternal nutrition assessment
- Humanitarian response programs
- Refugee and displacement camps
- Primary healthcare clinics
- Mobile health teams
- Community health workers
- NGO nutrition initiatives
- Low-resource healthcare settings
MUAC Tape for Pregnant Women & Adolescents
This tri-color single slotted measuring MUAC tape is wrapped around the upper arm and threaded through the slot to determine the circumference of the pregnant women's upper arm. The mid upper arm circumference has been shown to correlate well with Body Mass Index (BMI). Mid upper arm circumference does not change much over the course of a pregnancy.
The MUAC Tape supports standardized nutrition screening programs by providing consistent, easy-to-read measurements that align with international guidance for identifying individuals who may require nutritional assessment, therapeutic feeding, or referral for additional care.
Please note that the pregnancy MUAC tape is special order and there is a minimum of 5000 per order.
Maternova also manufactures and distributes medical nutrition solutions for severe acute malnutrition, for both stabilization and rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MUAC Tape measure?
The tape measures mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) to assess nutritional status and identify children or adults at risk of acute malnutrition.
Who can use the MUAC Tape?
The tape is designed for use by trained healthcare professionals, community health workers, nutrition programs, and humanitarian organizations.
What do the color zones indicate?
The color-coded zones provide rapid visual identification of normal nutritional status, Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) based on established MUAC thresholds.
Is the tape reusable?
Yes. The polyethylene material is durable, wipeable, and designed for repeated use following appropriate cleaning procedures.
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity for the child version is 500 tapes. The pregnancy version is available by special order with a minimum quantity of 5,000 tapes.