1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

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

2. Mosteller Formula

The Mosteller formula is one of the most commonly used equations to estimate BSA:

Where:

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

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

3. Clinical Importance

Details: BSA is used in many medical applications including chemotherapy dosing, cardiac index calculations, and renal function assessments. It's considered more accurate than body weight alone for many medical calculations.

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 Mosteller formula over other BSA formulas?
A: The Mosteller formula is simple to calculate and has been validated in multiple studies. It's widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q2: What are typical BSA values?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women. Normal range is approximately 1.4-2.2 m².

Q3: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: It's accurate to within 1-2% of measured BSA in most individuals, though it may be less accurate in extremes of body habitus.

Q4: When is BSA used in medicine?
A: Common uses include chemotherapy dosing, cardiac output calculations, and adjusting dialysis parameters.

Q5: Are there alternatives to Mosteller formula?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George formulas, though Mosteller is most commonly used today.