GuidelinesIMCI
Appetite Test
IMCI - Counsel the Mother or Caregiver on Infant and Young Child Feeding
How to do the Appetite Test?
Child must be 6 months old or above
- The appetite test should be conducted in a separate quiet area of the clinic
- Explain to the caregiver the purpose of the appetite test and how it will be carried out
- The caregiver should wash her hands
- The caregiver should sit comfortably with the child on her/his lap and either offer the RUTF from the packet or put a small amount on her/his finger and give it to the child
- The caregiver should offer the child the RUTF gently, encouraging the child all the time. If the child refuses then the caregiver should continue to quietly encourage the child and take time over the test
- The test usually takes a short time but may take up to one hour
- The child must not be forced to take the RUTF
- The child needs to be offered plenty of water to drink from a cup as he/she is taking the RUTF
| Weight | Sachets (Approx 90g) |
| 4 - < 7 kg | 1/4 to 1/3 |
| 7 - < 10 kg | 1/3 to 1/2 |
| 10 - < 15 kg | 1/2 to 3/4 |
| 15 - < 30 kg | 3/4 to 1 |
| >30 kg | > 1 |
The Result of the Appetite Test
Pass
- A child who takes at least the amount shown in the table passes the appetite test
Fail
- A child who does not take at least the amount of RUTF shown in the table should be referred for inpatient care
- If the appetite is good during the appetite test and the rate of weight gain at home is poor then a home visit should be arranged
- The minimum amount of RUTF sachets that should be taken is shown in the table
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Young Infant (Birth up to 2 months); Counsel the Mother or Caregiver on Infant and Young Child Feeding (Birth up to 2 months); Appetite Test
Last checked for updates: June 2023