1. Why is it Important to Weigh and Measure Infants, Children and Adolescents Accurately?

Accuracy is important in obtaining all pediatric size measurements because these measurements will be used as the basis of clinical assessment and to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).

If growth is not proceeding as expected for an individual of a given age based on the size measures, then referral for additional evaluation may be necessary to address the concern.

	The measurement process has two steps: 1. measure 2. record

If measures are in error, then the foundation of the growth assessment is also in error. It is important to have the date, age, and actual measurements recorded so the data may be used by others or at a later point in time.

	Many clinical decisions and clinical interventions are based on physical measurements
	Accurate and reliable physical measures are used to:
	monitor the growth of an individual detect growth abnormalities monitor nutritional status track the effects of medical or nutritional intervention