ToolsCalculators
Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)
Screens adults for malnutrition risk.
Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)
Body mass index
Unplanned weight loss (past 3-6 months)
Acutely ill AND no nutritional intake (or likely none) for >5 days
Result0 points
Low risk of malnutrition. Low: routine care and repeat screening; medium: observe and document intake; high: treat and refer to dietetics/nutrition support.
- Risk category
- Low risk
When to use
- Routine malnutrition screening of adults on admission and in the community.
Formula
Sum of BMI (>20 = 0, 18.5-20 = 1, <18.5 = 2), unplanned weight loss (<5% = 0, 5-10% = 1, >10% = 2), and acute-disease effect (2 if acutely ill with no intake >5 days). 0 low, 1 medium, >=2 high risk.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Manage per BAPEN care pathway according to risk category.