1. What is the Haycock BSA Formula?

The Haycock formula is one of several methods to estimate body surface area (BSA) from weight and height measurements. It's commonly used in medical settings to calculate medication doses, particularly for chemotherapy and other drugs with narrow therapeutic windows.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Haycock formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( BSA \) — Body surface area in square meters (m²)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the non-linear relationship between body dimensions and surface area, providing a more accurate estimate than simple linear models.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is crucial for determining proper medication dosages, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices like chemotherapy, where precise dosing is critical for both efficacy and safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Ensure measurements are accurate for reliable results. The calculator is intended for adults and children over 12 kg.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Haycock formula instead of DuBois?
A: The Haycock formula tends to be more accurate across a wider range of body sizes, especially in pediatric populations and obese patients.

Q2: What are typical 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: When should BSA be used for dosing?
A: BSA-based dosing is common for chemotherapy, some antibiotics, and other drugs where body size significantly affects pharmacokinetics.

Q4: Are there limitations to BSA dosing?
A: BSA may not account for body composition differences (muscle vs fat) and may not be ideal for all medications or all patient populations.

Q5: Should I use actual or ideal body weight?
A: For obese patients, consult specific protocols - some medications use adjusted body weight or cap the BSA calculation.