#iv-flow-rate-container h2 { color: #2c3e50; margin-top: 0; text-align: center; border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db; padding-bottom: 10px; }
.calc-row { margin-bottom: 20px; }
.calc-row label { display: block; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 5px; color: #34495e; }
.calc-row input, .calc-row select { width: 100%; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; }
.calc-row input:focus { border-color: #3498db; outline: none; box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(52, 152, 219, 0.3); }
.calc-btn { background-color: #3498db; color: white; border: none; padding: 15px 20px; border-radius: 4px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; width: 100%; transition: background-color 0.3s; }
.calc-btn:hover { background-color: #2980b9; }
#iv-result-area { margin-top: 25px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 4px; display: none; text-align: center; }
.result-box { background-color: #e8f4fd; border: 1px solid #3498db; padding: 15px; border-radius: 4px; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.result-val { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #2c3e50; }
.result-label { font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #7f8c8d; }
.article-section { margin-top: 40px; }
.article-section h3 { color: #2980b9; border-left: 5px solid #3498db; padding-left: 10px; }
.example-box { background-color: #f9f9f9; border-left: 4px solid #2ecc71; padding: 15px; margin: 15px 0; font-style: italic; }
.formula-card { background: #2c3e50; color: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; margin: 20px 0; }
function calculateIVRate() {
var volume = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ivVolume').value);
var hours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ivHours').value) || 0;
var minutes = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ivMinutes').value) || 0;
var dropFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ivDropFactor').value);
var resultArea = document.getElementById('iv-result-area');
var pumpDisp = document.getElementById('pumpResult');
var dripDisp = document.getElementById('dripResult');
if (isNaN(volume) || volume <= 0 || (hours === 0 && minutes === 0)) {
alert("Please enter a valid volume and time duration.");
resultArea.style.display = "none";
return;
}
// Convert everything to total minutes
var totalMinutes = (hours * 60) + minutes;
// Pump Rate calculation (mL/hr)
// Formula: (Volume / Total Minutes) * 60
var mlPerHour = (volume / totalMinutes) * 60;
// Drip Rate calculation (gtt/min)
// Formula: (Volume * Drop Factor) / Total Minutes
var gttPerMin = (volume * dropFactor) / totalMinutes;
pumpDisp.innerHTML = mlPerHour.toFixed(1) + " mL/hr";
dripDisp.innerHTML = Math.round(gttPerMin) + " gtt/min";
resultArea.style.display = "block";
resultArea.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}
IV Infusion Pump Flow Rate Calculator
10 gtt/mL (Macro)
15 gtt/mL (Macro)
20 gtt/mL (Macro)
60 gtt/mL (Micro)
Pump Flow Rate
0 mL/hr
Manual Drip Rate
0 gtt/min
Understanding IV Flow Rate Calculations
In clinical settings, calculating the correct IV flow rate is a critical skill for nurses and medical professionals. Whether you are using an electronic infusion pump or a manual gravity drip, accuracy ensures patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.
The IV Pump Formula:
Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hr) = mL/hr
Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hr) = mL/hr
How to Calculate Flow Rate for an IV Pump
Electronic infusion pumps are programmed in milliliters per hour (mL/hr). To determine this value, you simply need to know the total volume of fluid to be administered and the time period over which it should run.
- Identify the Volume: This is the total amount of fluid (e.g., 500mL, 1000mL) ordered by the physician.
- Identify the Time: Determine how many hours the infusion should last. If the time is given in minutes, divide by 60 to convert to hours.
- Apply the Formula: Divide the volume by the hours.
Example: A physician orders 1,000 mL of Normal Saline to be infused over 8 hours.
Calculation: 1,000 mL ÷ 8 hours = 125 mL/hr.
Calculation: 1,000 mL ÷ 8 hours = 125 mL/hr.
Calculating Manual Drip Rates (gtt/min)
If an infusion pump is unavailable, you must calculate the drip rate for gravity administration. This requires the Drop Factor, which is the number of drops (gtt) contained in 1 mL of fluid, found on the IV tubing package.
The Drip Rate Formula:
[Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Time (min) = gtt/min
[Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Time (min) = gtt/min
Common Drop Factors
- Macro-drip: Typically 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL (standard for adults).
- Micro-drip: Always 60 gtt/mL (standard for pediatrics or sensitive medications).
Key Safety Tips for IV Administration
- Double-check: Always verify the order against the pump settings before starting the infusion.
- Monitor the Site: Check for signs of infiltration or phlebitis at the catheter site.
- Equipment Check: Ensure the infusion pump is plugged in and the battery is functional.
- Re-calculate: If an infusion falls behind schedule, do not simply "speed it up" without consulting hospital policy or the prescribing physician.