General Medicine Oncology Standard clinical practice
Body Surface Area (Mosteller)
Calculates BSA using Mosteller formula. Used for chemotherapy dosing and cardiac index.
Score interpretation
Small 0–1.49
BSA < 1.5 m²: Small BSA. Dose-cap chemo regimens that specify 'cap at 1.5 m²'.
→ Use BSA for chemotherapy dose calculation. For cardiac index: CI = CO / BSA (normal 2.5–4.0 L/min/m²).
Normal Range 1.5–2
BSA 1.5–2.0 m²: Normal adult range.
→ Use calculated BSA for drug dosing.
Large ≥ 2.01
BSA > 2.0 m²: Large BSA. Many chemo regimens cap doses at BSA 2.0–2.5 m².
→ Verify with oncology for dose capping policy specific to each regimen.
Interpretation bands for the BSA. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Mosteller RD. Simplified calculation of body-surface area. N Engl J Med. 1987.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Drugs
- Zoledronic Acid · Bisphosphonate (IV)
- Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing) · Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Denosumab · RANK Ligand Inhibitor (Anti-resorptive)
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
Pathways
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.