IV Infusion Rate Calculator (mL/hr)
Calculation Result
Milliliters per Hour (mL/hr)
Understanding IV Infusion Rate Calculation
In clinical settings, accurately calculating the IV infusion rate is critical for patient safety and effective medication delivery. The most common measurement for infusion pumps is milliliters per hour (mL/hr).
The IV Infusion Formula
Infusion Rate (mL/hr) = Total Volume (mL) รท Total Time (Hours)
How to Calculate Manually
- Identify the Total Volume: This is the amount of fluid prescribed (e.g., 500 mL, 1000 mL).
- Determine the Time: Convert the infusion duration into total hours. If you have minutes, divide the minutes by 60 and add them to the hours.
- Divide: Divide the volume by the hours to find the mL/hr rate.
Practical Example
A doctor orders 1,000 mL of Normal Saline to be infused over 8 hours. To find the rate:
- Volume = 1000 mL
- Time = 8 Hours
- Calculation: 1000 / 8 = 125 mL/hr
Why Accuracy Matters
Calculating the correct infusion rate ensures that the patient receives the medication at the intended concentration and therapeutic speed. Delivering fluids too quickly (fluid overload) or too slowly (sub-therapeutic dosing) can lead to serious medical complications.