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WIC Anthropometrics and Laboratory Guidance 5

5. Record the height in Crossroads on the Anthro/Lab screen. Today’s date will default as the date the measurement was performed.

Measuring Standing Weight for Women and Children 24 months (2 years) of Age or Older Equipment A beam balance scale with a platform and free-sliding weights (non-detachable) is the recommended form of equipment. The scale should be marked in increments of four ounces (4 oz) or 100 grams (g) or ¼ pound. The scale should have a large enough platform to support the person being weighed. Electronic scales are also acceptable if this is what is available in your clinic. The scale is to be calibrated yearly and the calibration is to be documented. Technique The scale should rest on a firm, flat, non-carpeted surface. For children and adults, there is a need to respect privacy. This includes where the measurements are taken, clothing removal, describing the measuring process, and interpreting the numbers. 1. Place clean paper on foot area. Confirm that the sliding weights on horizontal beam are at the zero position and that the scale is in balance. 2. Have adult participant (or caregiver of child participant) remove outer clothing including shoes, hats, mittens, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, and jumpsuits, etc. It is recommended to undress the child to only a dry diaper or single layer of light clothing such as a t-shirt or onesie for accurate weighing. (A wet diaper can weigh as much as 2½ pounds). “Light clothing” may be considered only those garments necessary for participant modesty and comfort. 3. At a minimum, take off shoes or boots, all outerwear, and heavier clothing, such as jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts. Also remove items such as toys, packages, cell phones, and purses. (Note: When measurements must be taken for participants dressed in heavy fabrics or insulated garments as the only layer of clothing, document the circumstances.) 4. Have the participant stand in the center of the platform with body upright and arms hanging naturally. 5. To take the reading, move the large counterbalance on the main beam away from the zero position until the indicator drops, showing that a little too much weight has been removed. Repeat the above procedure with the fractional beam until the indicator rests in the exact center. 6. For all scales: Read the weight to the nearest one ounce (1 oz). See chart below for scales measuring 0.2 lbs.

7. Return the weights to the zero position at the left-hand side of the scale or zero the scale prior to obtaining the next weight. 8. Record the weight in Crossroads on the Anthro/Lab screen. Today’s date will default as the date the measurement was performed.