Body Surface Area Calculator RCH

Body Surface Area Formula:

\[ BSA = \sqrt{\frac{W \times H}{3600}} \]

Body Surface Area (m²):

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1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA) at RCH?

Definition: This calculator estimates body surface area using the Mosteller formula, which is commonly used at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH).

Purpose: BSA is important for determining medication dosages, chemotherapy regimens, and other medical calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

\[ BSA = \sqrt{\frac{W \times H}{3600}} \]

Where:

\( BSA \) — Body surface area (square meters)
\( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
\( H \) — Height (centimeters)

Explanation: The product of weight and height is divided by 3600, then the square root is taken to get BSA in m².

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA calculation is crucial for proper drug dosing, especially in pediatric patients and chemotherapy regimens.

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 the Mosteller formula?
A: The Mosteller formula is simple, validated, and widely accepted in clinical practice, especially in pediatric settings.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate for most clinical purposes, though individual variations may exist.

Q3: Can this be used for all ages?
A: Yes, the Mosteller formula is appropriate for both children and adults.

Q4: What are typical BSA values?
A: Average adult BSA is about 1.7 m², while newborns average about 0.25 m².

Q5: When is BSA used vs weight-based dosing?
A: BSA is typically used for chemotherapy, while weight-based dosing is more common for most other medications.