What it means
An estimate of body size that is used to dose drugs with a narrow safe range, such as chemotherapy, and some drugs for children. It is calculated from height and weight with a formula or a chart (a nomogram). A common formula is the square root of height in cm times weight in kg, divided by 3,600.
For the nurse
Use a current, measured height and weight, not a guess. Double-check any dose based on body surface area with a second nurse when policy requires.
In a chart
"BSA 1.8 m²; dose = 100 mg/m² x 1.8 = 180 mg."
At a glance
| Also written | BSA |
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Related terms
oncology
The branch of medicine that deals with cancer.