Learn Glossary clinical methodology

Malnutrition Screening Tool

Two-question screening tool for adult inpatients asking about recent unintentional weight loss and recent poor appetite.

Also: MST

The MST is brief, reliable, and validated for acute-care adults. A score of 2 or higher indicates nutrition risk and triggers a full assessment. Its simplicity makes it easy to embed in electronic health record admission workflows.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed.Chapter 4

    The MST is brief, reliable, and validated for acute-care adults. A score of 2 or higher indicates nutrition risk and triggers a full assessment. Its simplicity makes it easy to embed in electronic health record admission workflows.

Related terms

MNA, NRS-2002, Nutrition Screening