This calculator helps determine the correct intravenous (IV) flow rate in milliliters per hour (mL/hr) for administering medications or fluids. It's essential for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and safe fluid delivery.
How to Use the IV Flow Rate Calculator
To use this calculator, you will need to input three pieces of information:
Total Volume to Infuse (mL): This is the total amount of fluid or medication in milliliters that needs to be administered.
Infusion Time (hours): This is the total duration over which the infusion should be completed, expressed in hours.
Infusion Time (minutes): This is the total duration over which the infusion should be completed, expressed in minutes. You can use either hours or minutes, or both, but the calculator prioritizes the most precise input if both are provided.
Once you enter these values and click "Calculate Flow Rate", the calculator will provide the required flow rate in milliliters per hour (mL/hr).
Understanding IV Flow Rate Calculations
The formula for calculating the IV flow rate is straightforward:
Flow Rate (mL/hr) = Total Volume (mL) / Total Infusion Time (hours)
If you provide the infusion time in minutes, you first need to convert it to hours by dividing the minutes by 60. For example, 30 minutes is 0.5 hours (30 / 60).
This calculator handles the conversion internally to ensure accurate results whether you input time in hours, minutes, or a combination.
Important Considerations
Always double-check your calculations with a colleague or a reliable medical reference.
This calculator is a tool and does not replace professional medical judgment.
Ensure the IV pump or manual drip rate is set accurately based on the calculated flow rate.
Factors like patient condition, medication type, and prescribed rate may influence the final infusion parameters.