Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
TBSA
Also written as: TBSA — Total Body Surface Area
Total Body Surface Area affected by burns, expressed as a percentage.
Full Definition
Total Body Surface Area is a critical measurement in burn care representing the percentage of the body surface affected by burns. TBSA is calculated using methods such as the Rule of Nines or Lund-Browder chart and directly influences treatment decisions, fluid resuscitation requirements, and prognosis. Burns affecting more than 20% TBSA in adults typically require specialized burn center care.
Usage
Usage note: Always express as percentage; distinguish from burn depth assessment.
In Context
- "The patient presented with 35% TBSA burns requiring immediate fluid resuscitation." — emergency department report
- "TBSA calculations using the Lund-Browder method are more accurate in pediatric patients." — clinical protocol
Also known as
burn size
burn extent
Don't confuse with
BSA
burn depth