What action should be taken if two skin fold measurements differ by more than 1 or 2 mm?

Taking a third measurement is the best practice when two skin fold measurements differ by more than 1 or 2 mm. This approach helps to ensure accuracy and reliability in body composition assessments. Variations in skin fold measurements can occur due to factors such as inconsistent pinching technique, differences in the timing of measurements, or variability in the skin's elasticity. By taking a third measurement, you allow for a more precise assessment that can account for any discrepancies observed in the first two readings.

Using the average of previous readings, as suggested in another choice, may not reflect the true skin fold thickness accurately if the initial readings were inconsistent. Relying solely on the first measurement can lead to incorrect assumptions about body fat percentage and overall health. Therefore, taking a third measurement is a prudent strategy to confirm the initial readings and obtain a more valid representation of the skin fold thickness.