1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA) for Burns?

Definition: BSA is a measurement of the total surface area of the human body, used in burn assessment to determine the extent of injury.

Purpose: Accurate BSA calculation helps healthcare providers assess burn severity, guide fluid resuscitation, and determine treatment protocols.

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 in Burn Assessment

Details: BSA calculation is crucial for determining the percentage of total body surface area burned, which guides treatment decisions and prognosis.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the Mosteller formula?
A: The Mosteller formula is widely accepted because it's simple, validated, and requires only weight and height measurements.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's clinically validated with about 95% accuracy compared to more complex methods.

Q3: When would I need to calculate BSA for burns?
A: For all burn patients to determine fluid resuscitation needs (Parkland formula) and to assess burn severity.

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

Q5: Can this be used for children?
A: Yes, the Mosteller formula is appropriate for all ages, though pediatric burn assessment has additional considerations.