1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is a measurement of the total surface area of the human body. It's commonly used in medical practice, particularly for chemotherapy dosing, as many medications are dosed according to body surface area rather than weight alone.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters (cm)

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

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is crucial for determining appropriate drug dosages, especially for chemotherapy, where precise dosing is critical for both efficacy and minimizing side effects. It's also used for calculating fluid requirements and assessing metabolic mass.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For best results, use accurate measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BSA instead of weight for chemotherapy dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic processes and drug distribution than weight alone, leading to more accurate dosing.

Q2: What are normal BSA values?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women, but varies significantly with body size.

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

Q4: How often should BSA be recalculated during treatment?
A: BSA should be recalculated if the patient's weight changes significantly (typically >10% change).

Q5: Can this calculator be used for pediatric patients?
A: Yes, the Mosteller formula is appropriate for both adults and children.