Taking the Guesswork out of Pediatric Weight Estimation (TAPE): Validation of the Mercy TAPE

The main TAP01 objective was to evaluate the predictive performance of the 2D and 3D Mercy TAPE, and evaluate the equivalence of the 2D and 3D Mercy TAPE relative to the Mercy method of weight estimation. A total of 664 children were enrolled, stratified by year of age. Height/length, weight, humeral length and mid-upper arm circumference were obtained for each child using calibrated scales and measures. Measurements were then taken using blinded versions of the 2D- and 3D-TAPEs, and the estimated weights were contrasted with results utilizing reference methods. Concordance between both TAPE devices and the Mercy Method was >0.99. The proportion of children predicted within 10% and 20% of actual weight was 76% and 98% for the 2D TAPE, and 65% and 93% for the 3D TAPE. The 2D- and 3D-Mercy TAPEs outperformed reference methods for pediatric weight estimation and can be used in a wider range of children. No adverse device events were reported.