1. What is BSA Chemotherapy Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates Body Surface Area (BSA) using the Mosteller formula, commonly used for chemotherapy dosing.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals determine appropriate medication dosages based on a patient's body surface area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates BSA by taking the square root of the product of weight and height divided by 3600.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA calculation is crucial for determining proper chemotherapy drug dosages, as many cancer medications are dosed based on body surface area.

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 BSA for chemotherapy dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with drug metabolism than body weight alone, leading to more accurate dosing.

Q2: What's the advantage of Mosteller formula?
A: It's simple, validated, and widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q3: Are there other BSA formulas?
A: Yes, including DuBois & DuBois, Haycock, and Boyd formulas, but Mosteller is most common.

Q4: When would BSA calculation not be appropriate?
A: For obese patients or certain medications where alternative dosing methods are recommended.

Q5: How precise should BSA calculations be?
A: Typically rounded to 2 decimal places for clinical use.