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 contexts, including medication dosing and physiological measurements.

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 method for estimating body surface area based on 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 adjusting drug dosages for both children and adults.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters and weight in kilograms. Both values must be valid (height > 0, weight > 0) for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BSA important in medicine?
A: BSA provides a more accurate measure for drug dosing than body weight alone, especially for medications with narrow therapeutic windows like chemotherapy drugs.

Q2: What are normal BSA values?
A: The average BSA for adult men is about 1.9 m² and for adult women is about 1.6 m², but this varies significantly based on height and weight.

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

Q4: When should BSA be used for medication dosing?
A: BSA is commonly used for chemotherapy drugs, some antimicrobials, and other medications where precise dosing is critical for efficacy and safety.

Q5: Can BSA be used for pediatric patients?
A: Yes, BSA calculations are particularly important for pediatric medication dosing as children's metabolism and body composition differ from adults.