BSA Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates body surface area (BSA) using the DuBois and DuBois formula, which relates BSA to weight and height.
Purpose: BSA is used in medical practice for drug dosing, physiological measurements, and clinical assessments.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula was derived from measurements of body surface area in humans and provides a good estimate for most clinical purposes.
Details: BSA is used to calculate drug dosages for chemotherapy, normalize physiological measurements, and assess metabolic mass.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be > 0.
Q1: Why use BSA instead of body weight for drug dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic processes and drug clearance than body weight alone.
Q2: What's the accuracy of the DuBois formula?
A: It's accurate for most adults but may be less precise for very obese or very lean individuals.
Q3: Are there alternative BSA formulas?
A: Yes, other formulas include Mosteller, Haycock, and Boyd formulas, but DuBois is the most widely used.
Q4: How do I convert pounds to kilograms?
A: Divide pounds by 2.205 (1 kg = 2.205 lbs).
Q5: How do I convert feet/inches to centimeters?
A: Multiply feet by 30.48 and inches by 2.54, then add them together.