Intermediate
Technical
IVT
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 assessment that quantifies the percentage of body surface affected by burns. TBSA is calculated using methods such as the Rule of Nines or Lund-Browder chart and is essential for determining treatment protocols, fluid resuscitation requirements, and prognosis. Burns affecting more than 20% TBSA in adults typically require specialized burn center care.
In Context
- "The patient presented with 35% TBSA third-degree burns requiring immediate transfer to the burn center." — emergency report
- "Fluid resuscitation was calculated based on the patient's weight and TBSA involvement." — treatment protocol
Also known as
total body surface area
Don't confuse with
BSA