Calculating gtt/min (drops per minute) is done using the formula:
gtt/min = (Total Volume in mL ÷ Total Time in minutes) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Determine Total Volume and Time:
• Find the total volume of the IV solution (in mL) that needs to be infused.
• Convert the infusion time to minutes (if given in hours, multiply by 60).
- Calculate the Infusion Rate in mL/min: • Divide the total volume by the total time in minutes.
- Apply the Drop Factor:
• Multiply the infusion rate (mL/min) by the tubing’s drop factor (gtt/mL).
• This product gives you the final drip rate in gtt/min.
Example:
Imagine you have an order to infuse 1,000 mL over 8 hours and you are using tubing with a drop factor of 15 gtt/mL.
• Total time = 8 hours × 60 = 480 minutes
• Infusion rate = 1,000 mL ÷ 480 min ≈ 2.083 mL/min
• Drip rate = 2.083 mL/min × 15 gtt/mL ≈ 31.25 gtt/min (rounded to 31 gtt/min)
This is the standard and quick method employed by nurses when calculating IV drip rates to ensure safe and precise medication administration[1] [2].
Authoritative Sources
- Calculations of IV Drip Rates. [Mometrix Academy]↩
- IV Infusion and Drip Rate Calculation. [Mometrix Test Preparation]↩
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