1. What is BSA (Body Surface Area)?

Definition: BSA is the calculated surface area of the human body, used in medical practice for chemotherapy dosing and other treatments.

Purpose: It provides a more accurate measurement than body weight alone for determining appropriate drug dosages.

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

3. Importance of BSA Calculation in Chemotherapy

Details: BSA-based dosing helps standardize chemotherapy administration, reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy.

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 instead of weight alone for chemo dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic processes and drug distribution than weight alone.

Q2: What's the accuracy of the Mosteller formula?
A: It's within 1-2% of more complex methods and is widely accepted in clinical practice.

Q3: When would other BSA formulas be used?
A: Some institutions may use DuBois or Haycock formulas, but Mosteller is most common.

Q4: How should I measure height and weight?
A: Use barefoot height and weight in light clothing for most accurate results.

Q5: Are there limitations to BSA-based dosing?
A: Yes, some drugs require adjustments for obesity, age, or other factors beyond BSA.