Anthropometry and nutritionGeriatrics and nursing
MUST — Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
Three steps: BMI, unplanned weight loss in the past 3–6 months and the effect of acute illness. Enter weight and height and the calculator will pick the points for you.
How it is scored
- BMI: > 20 — 0, 18.5–20 — 1, < 18.5 — 2 points.
- Unplanned weight loss in 3–6 months: < 5% — 0, 5–10% — 1, > 10% — 2 points.
- Acute illness with no nutritional intake for > 5 days — 2 points.
Total: 0 — low, 1 — medium, 2 or more — high risk.
Limitations
- For adults only. Use growth charts in children.
- If height or weight cannot be measured, BMI can be estimated from ulna length or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) — see the BAPEN booklet.
- Oedema, ascites and dehydration distort body weight.
- “MUST” is a BAPEN mark; the algorithm is described in our own words.
Sources
- Elia M (red.). The ‘MUST’ Report. Nutritional screening of adults: a multidisciplinary responsibility. Malnutrition Advisory Group, BAPEN; 2003. www.bapen.org.uk
- Stratton RJ, Hackston A, Longmore D i in. Malnutrition in hospital outpatients and inpatients: prevalence, concurrent validity and ease of use of the ‘malnutrition universal screening tool’ (‘MUST’) for adults. Br J Nutr 2004;92(5):799–808. doi.org
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This calculator is for education and does not replace a doctor’s assessment. Always interpret the result together with the history and examination.