1. What is the Mosteller Formula?

The Mosteller formula is a mathematical equation used to estimate body surface area (BSA) from height and weight measurements. It provides a simple and accurate method for calculating BSA, which is important in various medical applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates BSA by taking the square root of the product of height and weight divided by 3600, providing a result in square meters (m²).

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is used in various medical contexts, including medication dosing (especially for chemotherapy), determining cardiac index, and calculating renal clearance rates.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters, weight in kilograms. All values must be valid (height > 0, weight > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BSA important in medicine?
A: BSA provides a more accurate measure of metabolic mass than body weight alone, which is important for proper medication dosing and various physiological measurements.

Q2: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: The Mosteller formula is considered one of the most accurate and widely used BSA calculation methods, with results comparable to more complex formulas.

Q3: What are typical BSA values?
A: Average BSA for adult men is about 1.9 m², for adult women about 1.6 m², but varies significantly with body size.

Q4: When should BSA be calculated?
A: BSA should be calculated when precise medication dosing is required, particularly for chemotherapy drugs, and for various clinical assessments.

Q5: Are there other formulas for calculating BSA?
A: Yes, other formulas include Du Bois, Haycock, and Gehan-George formulas, but Mosteller is widely preferred for its simplicity and accuracy.