1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It is used in many medical measurements including medication dosages and the classification of burns.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: The Mosteller formula provides a simple and accurate way to estimate body surface area using just height and weight measurements.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is used in various medical applications including chemotherapy dosing, calculating cardiac index, determining renal clearance, and assessing burn severity. It provides a more accurate measure than body weight alone for many physiological processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters and weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers. For best accuracy, use precise measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BSA instead of body weight for medication dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with many physiological processes like metabolic rate and blood volume, making it more accurate for dosing medications that distribute throughout the body.

Q2: What is a normal BSA range?
A: Average BSA for adults is about 1.7 m² for men and 1.6 m² for women, but it varies significantly with height and weight.

Q3: Are there other formulas to calculate BSA?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George formulas, but Mosteller is widely used for its simplicity and accuracy.

Q4: Can BSA be used for children?
A: Yes, BSA calculations are commonly used in pediatric medicine for medication dosing and other clinical applications.

Q5: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: The Mosteller formula is considered highly accurate and is widely accepted in clinical practice, with results comparable to more complex formulas.