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Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) is a rapid nutrition-risk screen commonly used at hospital admission and in outpatient settings. It is based on recent unintentional weight loss and reduced oral intake/appetite, with higher totals indicating greater malnutrition risk.
Formula: MST total is summed from weighted responses on weight loss and appetite/intake items (0-5).
MST is validated across inpatient and ambulatory populations as a practical malnutrition-risk screen.
Higher MST totals indicate greater malnutrition-risk signal and need for nutrition-focused follow-up.
Use for rapid first-line nutrition screening in adults, especially during admission or routine risk checks.
MST is a screening instrument and does not replace detailed dietetic assessment.
For related assessments, see MUST Score, NRS-2002 and MNA-SF.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Screen adults for malnutrition risk using BMI, unplanned weight loss, and acute disease effect with the MUST score.
GeriatricsA guideline-based hospital nutrition risk score where >=3 suggests need for nutrition support.
GeriatricsScreen malnutrition risk in older adults with the MNA-SF 6-item tool (score 0-14).
GeriatricsA lab-based nutrition screening score (0-12) combining albumin, cholesterol, and lymphocyte components.