From the Guidelines
It is generally not necessary to remeasure height if it was done just 3 weeks ago, even if taken by a non-medical provider, as height measurements typically don't change significantly over such a short period, especially in adults [ 1 ]. For children and adolescents who are still growing, changes might occur but would be minimal over three weeks.
Considerations for Remasurement
The accuracy of the previous measurement is more important than who took it, provided basic measurement techniques were followed. If the non-medical provider used proper technique (having the person stand straight against a flat surface, without shoes, with heels, buttocks, shoulders, and head touching the wall, and using a reliable measuring tool), the measurement should be sufficiently accurate for most purposes. However, if the measurement is needed for medical treatment that requires precise dosing based on height (such as certain medications or radiation therapy), or if there's reason to believe the previous measurement was inaccurate, remeasurement by a healthcare professional would be warranted [ 1 ].
Clinical Context
In clinical practice, the decision to remeasure height should be based on the individual's specific needs and the potential impact of inaccurate height measurement on their care. For example, in the context of calculating body surface area (BSA) for medication dosing or other medical treatments, accurate height measurement is crucial [ 1 ]. However, for routine monitoring or screening purposes, a height measurement taken three weeks prior by a non-medical provider, using proper technique, is likely sufficient.
Growth Velocity Considerations
For children and adolescents, growth velocity is an important factor to consider, and significant changes in height over short periods might indicate underlying issues [ 1 ]. However, these changes are typically assessed over longer intervals (4-6 months) rather than three weeks. Therefore, unless there are specific concerns about growth or development, remeasuring height after such a short interval is generally not necessary.
From the Research
Height Measurement Reliability
- The reliability of height measurements is a concern, especially when taken by non-medical providers 2.
- A study found that clinical height measurements and electronic health record height data were unreliable, with 18% of patients having height measurement differences of ≥2 cm over 3 months 2.
- Another study suggested that measurements made by health visitors are sufficiently accurate for routine screening of height, but this may not be the case for non-medical providers 3.
Measurement Techniques
- Different measurement techniques can produce varying results, with some being more accurate than others 4, 5.
- A study found that growth chart extrapolation and parents' report were the most accurate methods for estimating height in hospitalized children, while body segment extrapolations were poorly predictive 4.
- Stadiometry is considered the standard method for measuring height, but other methods like the book and tape method can produce clinically acceptable results 5.
Remasuring Height
- Given the potential for error in height measurements, it may be necessary to remeasure height, especially if the initial measurement was taken by a non-medical provider or if there are concerns about the accuracy of the measurement 2, 6.
- However, the frequency of remeasuring height depends on various factors, including the purpose of the measurement and the population being measured 3, 4.