Shakir Tape is a simple, color-coded measuring tape used to assess mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)
It is primarily in children 6 months to 5 years of age, to screen for malnutrition- especially severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).
How to Use the Shakir tape-
- Identify the midpoint between the acromion (shoulder) and olecranon (elbow) (not lateral epicondyle of humerus) of the left upper arm.
- Place the Shakir tape around the arm at this mid-point.
- Look at where the ends meet to check the MUAC value and the color zone:
|
Color Zone |
MUAC Measurement |
Nutritional Status |
|
🔴 Red |
< 11.5 cm |
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) |
|
🟡 Yellow |
11.5 - 12.4 cm |
Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) |
|
🟢 Green |
≥ 12.5 cm |
Normal / Well-nourished |
SAM (Severe acute malnutrition) is defined by:
1. Weight-for-height z-score of < -3 SD from WHO growth standards
2. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of < 115 mm (11.5 cm)
3. Presence of bipedal edema (nutritional origin) of both feet
Presence of any one or more of the following criteria indicates severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children.
NOTE: Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) is not typically used for children under 6 months of age.