How calculate body surface area
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Body Surface Area (BSA) is an important parameter used for various medical purposes, including drug dosing and calculating the severity of burns. Calculating BSA accurately is crucial, as it influences treatment regimens. This article will guide you through the process of calculating body surface area using several common methods.
1. DuBois Formula
One of the most widely used formulas for calculating BSA is the DuBois formula, established in 1916. It takes into consideration both weight and height for calculation.
The formula is as follows:
BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × Weight(kg)^0.425 × Height(cm)^0.725
To calculate your BSA using this formula:
a) Convert your weight into kilograms (kg).
b) Convert your height into centimeters (cm).
c) Calculate your weight raised to the power of 0.425.
d) Calculate your height raised to the power of 0.725.
e) Multiply the results from steps c) and d).
f) Multiply the result from step e) by the constant factor 0.007184.
2. Mosteller Formula
The Mosteller formula, published in 1987, simplifies BSA calculations by considering only square roots.
The formula is:
BSA (m²) = √(Weight(kg) x Height(cm)/3600)
To calculate your BSA using Mosteller’s formula:
a) Convert your weight into kilograms (kg).
b) Convert your height into centimeters (cm).
c) Multiply your weight by your height.
d) Divide the result from step c) by 3600.
e) Calculate the square root of the result from step d).
3. Haycock Formula
The Haycock formula is another popular method of calculating BSA in pediatrics.
The formula is:
BSA (m²) = 0.024265 × Weight(kg)^0.5378 × Height(cm)^0.3964
To calculate BSA with the Haycock formula:
a) Convert your weight into kilograms (kg).
b) Convert your height into centimeters (cm).
c) Calculate your weight raised to the power of 0.5378.
d) Calculate your height raised to the power of 0.3964.
e) Multiply results from steps c) and d).
f) Multiply result from step e) by the constant factor 0.024265.
4. Gehan and George Formula
This method is suitable for children and adults and is used mostly for patients with abnormal body shapes.
The formula is:
BSA (m²) = 0.0235 × Weight(kg)^0.51456 × Height(cm)^0.42246
To calculate BSA using Gehan and George’s formula:
a) Convert your weight into kilograms (kg).
b) Convert your height into centimeters (cm).
c) Calculate your weight raised to the power of 0.51456.
d) Calculate your height raised to the power of 0.42246.
e) Multiply results from steps c) and d).
f) Multiply result from step e) by the constant factor 0.0235.
Keep in mind that these formulas provide estimates and may not be exact for all individuals, as factors like race, age, and body composition can affect calculations. Always consult with a medical professional for accurate BSA results tailored to your specific needs or use validated software tools for precise calculations.