This type of assessment must always be carried out, or at least closely supervised by a professional nutritionist, who should be identified in advance. Health workers should be routinely trained to carry out a rapid nutrition assessment according to standard guidelines which should be ready for use by all organizations. They should specify such information as anthropometric indicators, reference standards, cut-off points, and intervention criteria.

Essential equipment should be easily available (e.g. weighing scales, height boards, MUAC tapes, and pocket calculators).