1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Definition: Body Surface Area is the total surface area of the human body, often used in medical calculations.

Purpose: BSA is used to calculate medical dosages, assess metabolic mass, and evaluate physiological processes.

2. How Does the Mosteller Formula Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The Mosteller formula is a simple and widely used method for BSA calculation that provides good accuracy for most clinical purposes.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is crucial for determining chemotherapy dosages, calculating cardiac index, and assessing burn severity.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BSA instead of body weight for dosages?
A: BSA better correlates with metabolic processes and drug distribution than body weight alone.

Q2: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: It's accurate to within 1-2% of more complex methods for most individuals.

Q3: When would other BSA formulas be used?
A: For extreme body types (very obese or very thin), other formulas like DuBois or Haycock might be more appropriate.

Q4: What's a normal BSA range?
A: Average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for children?
A: Yes, the Mosteller formula is appropriate for all ages.