1. What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Body Surface Area (BSA) is the calculated surface area of the human body. It is used in many medical contexts, including determining medication dosages, assessing burn injuries, and calculating cardiac output.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

• \( H \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: This formula provides a simple and accurate method for estimating body surface area based on height and weight measurements.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA calculation is essential for accurate medication dosing (especially chemotherapy), burn assessment, and determining appropriate fluid resuscitation in burn patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters and weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BSA important for burn assessment?
A: BSA helps determine the percentage of body surface area affected by burns, which is critical for treatment planning and prognosis.

Q2: What is a normal BSA range?
A: Average BSA for adults is approximately 1.7 m² for men and 1.6 m² for women, but varies based on height and weight.

Q3: Are there other formulas for calculating BSA?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George formulas, but Mosteller is widely used for its simplicity and accuracy.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The Mosteller formula is considered accurate for most clinical purposes and is widely accepted in medical practice.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for children?
A: Yes, the formula works for both adults and children, though pediatric burn assessment may use specialized charts.