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. Mosteller Formula Explained

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The Mosteller formula is one of the most widely used BSA formulas due to its simplicity and accuracy.

3. Clinical Importance of BSA

Details: BSA is used to calculate dosages for chemotherapy drugs, adjust cardiac measurements, and assess burn severity. It provides a better indicator of metabolic mass than body weight alone.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BSA instead of weight for drug dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic processes and organ size than body weight alone, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows.

Q2: What are normal BSA values?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women. Normal range is approximately 1.4-2.0 m² for most adults.

Q3: Are there other BSA formulas?
A: Yes, other formulas include DuBois & DuBois, Haycock, and Boyd. Mosteller is preferred for its simplicity and accuracy.

Q4: How accurate is BSA calculation?
A: BSA formulas estimate within 5-10% of measured values. For critical applications, direct measurement may be needed.

Q5: Should BSA be used for obese patients?
A: For obese patients, adjusted body weight or other modifications may be needed for accurate dosing.