1. What is Body Surface Area?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the measured or calculated surface area of the human body. It's an important measurement in medicine, particularly for determining medication dosages and medical indicators.

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 formula calculates BSA by taking the square root of the product of weight and height divided by 3600.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is used to calculate medical indicators like cardiac index and chemotherapy dosages. Many drugs are dosed according to BSA to ensure proper distribution throughout the body.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal BSA value?
A: The average BSA for adults is 1.7 m², but it varies with size. Typical range is 1.5-2.0 m² for adults.

Q2: Why use Mosteller formula?
A: The Mosteller formula is simple to calculate and has been validated against more complex methods. It's widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q3: Are there other BSA formulas?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George, but Mosteller is most commonly used in clinical settings.

Q4: How accurate is BSA calculation?
A: While useful for many clinical purposes, BSA calculations are estimates and may need adjustment for extreme body types.

Q5: When is BSA particularly important?
A: BSA is crucial for chemotherapy dosing, pediatric medication, and calculating cardiac and renal indices.