1. What is a BSA Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates Body Surface Area (BSA) using the Haycock formula, which is commonly used in medical practice.

Purpose: It helps healthcare professionals determine medication dosages, chemotherapy regimens, and for various clinical assessments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Haycock formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula provides an accurate estimation of body surface area based on weight and height measurements.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is crucial for proper drug dosing, especially for chemotherapeutic agents, and for normalizing various physiological measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the Haycock formula?
A: The Haycock formula is particularly accurate for both children and adults and is widely used in clinical practice.

Q2: How does this compare to other BSA formulas?
A: Different formulas (DuBois, Mosteller) may give slightly different results, but Haycock is considered one of the most reliable.

Q3: When is BSA used instead of weight-based dosing?
A: BSA is typically used for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices or those distributed primarily in body tissues rather than blood.

Q4: Can this be used for pediatric patients?
A: Yes, the Haycock formula is appropriate for all age groups from infants to adults.

Q5: What's a normal BSA range?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women, but varies significantly with body size.