WASTING SCREENING
Two measurement routes. One need for review.
Wasting is commonly assessed using weight relative to height or length. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is another measure used to identify acute malnutrition in children aged 6–59 months. GrowthSight is developing two separate ways to support these screening routes.
In development · Seeking pilot enquiries
Height with Bluetooth-connected weight
In this route, GrowthSight’s planned smartphone height estimate is paired with a weight reading from a Bluetooth-connected weighing scale. Together, those measurements can support weight-for-height screening under the programme’s chosen protocol. A weighing scale is required for this route.
Automated MUAC from the same pictures
The other planned route estimates MUAC from the front, side and back images captured for height. No separate images or weighing scale are required for this route. It is a pilot capability, and evaluation against trained-worker reference MUAC measurements is still needed.
Weight-for-height and MUAC do not always identify the same children. Their findings should be recorded and reviewed as distinct measures rather than treated as interchangeable.
Screening is the beginning of care
WHO guidance uses MUAC, weight-for-height/length and the presence of bilateral pitting oedema in identifying children who need full assessment for severe acute malnutrition. A concerning screen should lead to the assessment and referral steps set by the local health programme.
GrowthSight is in development; this page makes no claim of validated diagnostic or clinical performance.
PILOT ENQUIRIES
Discuss your programme’s screening questions.
Tell us which measurements, settings and follow-up decisions a pilot would need to evaluate.
Get in touch